coulrophobia

[ kool-ruh-foh-bee-uh ]

noun

, Psychiatry.

1. an irrational or disproportionate fear of clowns.

Other Words From

• coul·ro·pho·bic adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of coulrophobia¹

First recorded in 1980-85; coulro- (perhaps from Greek kolon “limb”; with the sense of “stilt-walker,” hence “clown”) + -phobia

More About Coulrophobia

What does coulrophobia mean?

Coulrophobia is the abnormal fear of clowns.

Some people have phobias, which are fears associated with specific objects or activities. These abnormal (unusual) fears are typically considered irrational (not based on reason) because the object of the fear isn’t usually harmful. Often, these fears are formed around a traumatic event.

Many (most?) people have a fear of clowns, but usually it doesn’t rise to the level of true coulrophobia.

Example: I could never go to the circus because I have coulrophobia.

Where does coulrophobia come from?

Coulrophobia follows the same pattern as many words for specific phobias, such as arachnophobia (fear of spiders). The -phobia part comes from a Greek word meaning “fear.” The first part of coulrophobia is likely based on the Greek word kolon, meaning “limb,” perhaps in reference to stilts, which many clowns walk on in circus acts. (Yes, this makes them even creepier.)

The concept of the fear of clowns has been magnified by pop culture, with many horror movies based on this idea. But clinically diagnosed coulrophobia is uncommon. Many behavioral psychologists suggest that coulrophobia symptoms, such as fear or discomfort, are found in many people, but not many people actually experience the crippling anxiety and dread associated with the condition.

The fear of clowns is not fully understood, but research suggests that their exaggerated facial makeup may be to blame.

Coulrophobia, like other -phobia words, is more often used in formal settings, since the more straightforward phrase fear of clowns usually suffices.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms of coulrophobia?

• coulrophobic (noun, adjective)

What are some synonyms for coulrophobia?

• fear of clowns

What are some words that share a root or word element with coulrophobia?

• arachnophobia
• xenophobia

What are some words that often get used in discussing coulrophobia?

• clown
• fear
• abnormal
• psychology
• creepy

How is coulrophobia used in real life?

Coulrophobia is typically used by psychologists and in behavioral studies, or by those who want to use a fancy name instead of fear of clowns.

I'm glad people like me and my clowns enough that they think it'd be fun if I went places in character, but I simply can't do that. I wish I could, but I can't take the risk of being asked to leave, escorted away or worse, cause an incident due to coulrophobia.

— Orange U Gladd (@orange_u_gladd) January 5, 2020

I know nobody cares but I have coulrophobia and Twitter is full of clowns. I’m going to stop using Twitter from now on TT

— BulleoBulleo⁷ BBB (@MingiIMosquito1) January 5, 2020

1) when I was kid I wanted to be a cardiologist
2) I started having coulrophobia after watching IT when I was 9. I exorcised it by watching it again 9 years ago. 🤡😱
3) I need to touch hobs and socket switches following a certain path to make sure they are off before I go to https://t.co/FQ1Jdx1L8r

— Mauro Franchi 🇮🇹🇬🇧🇪🇺 (@maurofranchi) January 5, 2020

 

 

Try using coulrophobia!

Is coulrophobia used correctly in the following sentence?

I am afraid of being up this high because I have coulrophobia.