13 Oddly Specific Phobias You Didn’t Know Exist (and Where They Are Most Common)

When we think of phobias, common fears like spiders (arachnophobia) or heights (acrophobia) probably come to mind. But did you know that some people fear things like peanut butter sticking to the roof of their mouth or even the color yellow? These are just a few examples of the more unusual phobias that exist.

What Are Phobias? A phobia is an intense, irrational fear of a particular object, situation, or living thing. Unlike normal fear, which is a healthy response to danger, phobias occur even when there is no real threat.

Individuals with phobias often go to great lengths to avoid the source of their fear, and when they do encounter it, they may experience extreme anxiety.

Phobias can significantly interfere with daily life, affecting everything from social interactions to job performance. While some phobias are more well-known, like the fear of heights, others are so rare and specific that most people have never heard of them.

Below are 13 unusual and rare phobias that will surprise you.

1. Arachibutyrophobia – The Fear of Peanut Butter Sticking to the Roof of Your Mouth

This may sound quirky, but for some, the fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of the mouth can cause serious anxiety. People with arachibutyrophobia may avoid peanut butter altogether or feel extremely uncomfortable even with small amounts.

This phobia can stem from a greater fear of choking or sticky substances and might be linked to a traumatic experience involving peanut butter.

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2. Nomophobia – The Fear of Being Without a Mobile Phone

For many, not having a mobile phone feels inconvenient, but for those with nomophobia, it’s terrifying. People with this phobia feel panic at the thought of being without their phone, running out of battery, or losing signal.

In today’s technology-driven world, nomophobia has become more prevalent, with some researchers suggesting that it should be classified as a specific phobia.

3. Arithmophobia – The Fear of Numbers

If you ever dreaded math class, imagine having an extreme fear of numbers themselves. People with arithmophobia experience anxiety when dealing with numbers in everyday life.

This fear goes beyond dislike—it can disrupt a person’s ability to function, especially in jobs or activities that require basic math skills.

4. Plutophobia – The Fear of Money

Most people wish they had more money, but individuals with plutophobia actually fear wealth. Whether it’s the idea of becoming wealthy or interacting with rich people, plutophobia can lead to irrational behaviors, such as avoiding promotions or high-paying jobs.

This fear might stem from the perceived responsibilities and pressures that come with wealth or the fear of being targeted for robbery.

5. Xanthophobia – The Fear of the Color Yellow

Xanthophobia is an irrational fear of the color yellow. This unusual phobia causes people to avoid anything yellow, including clothing, flowers, and even foods.

This condition can interfere with daily life, as yellow is a common color in the environment.

6. Ablutophobia – The Fear of Bathing

For most, bathing is a daily routine, but for those with ablutophobia, it’s an ordeal filled with anxiety. This phobia, which is more common in children but can persist into adulthood, involves an extreme fear of washing or cleaning oneself.

Ablutophobia can lead to poor hygiene and social isolation, as sufferers avoid bathing out of intense fear.

7. Octophobia – The Fear of the Number Eight

While many people might fear the number 13 due to its association with bad luck, octophobia is a fear of the number eight.

This fear can be linked to the symbol’s resemblance to the infinity sign or a traumatic event involving the number eight. Whether it’s seeing the number in print or encountering it in everyday life, this phobia can cause significant distress.

8. Optophobia – The Fear of Opening One’s Eyes

Optophobia is an incredibly rare and debilitating fear of opening one’s eyes. This phobia can severely impact a person’s ability to function in daily life.

Those with optophobia may avoid bright lights or even refuse to leave dimly lit rooms. Like many phobias, this one often stems from a traumatic experience.

9. Globophobia – The Fear of Balloons

Balloons are a common sight at parties, but for people with globophobia, they’re a source of intense fear. This phobia can range from mild discomfort around balloons to complete avoidance of places where balloons might be present.

Globophobia often stems from a traumatic experience, such as the loud sound of a balloon popping.

10. Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia – The Fear of Long Words

Ironically, the fear of long words is itself a long word—hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia. This phobia often develops in childhood, when individuals may have been embarrassed by mispronouncing long words.

People with dyslexia are also more likely to develop this fear, making it challenging to speak or read aloud.

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11. Ephebiphobia – The Fear of Adolescents

People with ephebiphobia experience anxiety around teenagers. This fear might arise from media portrayals of adolescents as unruly or dangerous.

Sufferers may avoid areas frequented by teens or feel uncomfortable when interacting with young people.

12. Omphalophobia – The Fear of Belly Buttons

Though it may sound strange, omphalophobia is a real fear of belly buttons. People with this phobia avoid looking at or touching their own navel and may go to great lengths to cover it.

This phobia often has roots in a traumatic event, and sufferers may avoid places where belly buttons are visible, like the beach.

13. Linonophobia – The Fear of String

People with linonophobia experience fear at the sight or thought of string. This phobia can interfere with everyday activities, such as sewing or tying shoes.

Linonophobia may develop from a traumatic experience, like being restrained, and is often associated with a fear of being tied up or controlled.

Conclusion

Phobias, while irrational, are very real for those who experience them. Whether common or rare, phobias can significantly affect a person’s life.

If a phobia is interfering with your daily routine, professional treatment can help reduce the anxiety and improve your quality of life.