Barophobia [Weirdest Phobias]

Posted by on August 23rd, 2010

Everyday this week…Brett Rounsaville brings us the Weirdest Phobias ever…um…phobed?

Let’s start things out right this week. What’s the most sane thing in life to fear?

(This is the part where you’re supposed to say “nature.”)

That’s right! Nature. Floods, volcanoes, tornados, lightening, pumas…it’s a never-ending list of unpredictable danger. And what’s the one thing more terrifying than unpredictable danger?

(You’re supposed to say, “PREDICTABLE DANGER!”)

That’s right!!! Staring into Certain Death’s empty eye sockets is WAY scarier than huddling up in the house during a storm, not quite sure whether it will turn into a hurricane or pass you by.

So, following this logic, the single most terrifying thing on the planet must be both natural and predictable. Which is why they have a word for it.

Barophobia.

Also known as an irrational fear of…bum bum buuuummm, gravity.

Caused by a traumatic event the afflicted somehow linked to gravity (i.e. falling from a height or being trapped on an unmanned space station with a human hating AI for a prolonged period of time), it results in anxieties as mild as nausea and as crippling as an overwhelming fear of disaster when confronted with  thoughts of, well, gravity.

Weird, right? What are your favorite irrational fears? Have any of your own?

5 Responses to “Barophobia [Weirdest Phobias]”

  1. Michael Hogan Says:

    The Next Round Starts Now Rounsaville!!!

    For the first round I bring you Hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia Aka the fear of long words.

    This is a personal favorite of mine for obvious reasons.

  2. Brett Says:

    Welcome back! I dig it! That might make it in there this week. Nice work, Hogan.

  3. Josh Bulloc Says:

    I think too many video games cause this fear.

    Josh Bulloc
    Kansas City, MO

  4. Jtrapp2222 Says:

    Arachibutyrophobia- Fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of the mouth.

  5. Os Xiong Says:

    I have inverted vertigo — I get nauseous and fall over looking UP at tall buildings. I have to stand backwards on very tall elevators going up. Roller coasters would b okay, but I freak out on the beginning, the slow pull uphill.