17 Weird Phobias You Never Knew Existed
Updated: Mar. 07, 2022They may sound absurd, but they're all completely real—and shockingly common.
Nomophobia
For nomophobiacs, a phone is more than a cell; it’s a prison. Nomophobia is the fear of being out of mobile phone. This is what your fears reveal about your personality.
Pogonophobia
That toddler sitting on Santa’s lap isn’t freaking out over the stranger hugging her; she may have Pogonophobia, the fear of beards. No wonder TV villains are always stroking theirs. (This is why so many people fear the number 13.)
Kakorrhaphiaphobia
Hate losing? You’ve got Kakorrhaphiaphobia: the fear of failure. Aww. Have we told you how smart and pretty you are? (You probably have this common phobia and don’t even know it.)
Metrophobia
If you have metrophobia, your favorite love poem might sound like this: “Roses are terrifying. Violets are terrifying. Sugar is terrifying. I hate poems.” Metrophobia is the fear of poetry.
Arachibutyrophobia
Do you avoid PB&J sammies? You may suffer Arachibutyrophobia—the fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of your mouth. Not applicable to dogs. (This is why getting scared is good for your health.)
Genuphobia
If you had your way, it would be trousers and maxi skirts for everyone! Genuphobia is the fear of knees.
Linonophobia
Would you sooner go nude than sew up a hole in your clothes? You may suffer linonophobia: the fear of string. (If you have this phobia, you literally can’t take a joke.)
Xanthophobia
It’s not all sunshine if you have this weird phobia: Xanthophobia is the fear of the color yellow.
Ostraconophobia
Ostraconophobia is the fear of shellfish, which is an especially hard phobia if one’s first name is “Chef” or “Long John.” (Next, check out 22 more weird phobias that people actually have.)
