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Fun Fact: Are you afraid of THIS?

Ever heard the word "Pteronophobia"?

I hadn't either until today.

It turns out that Pteronophobia is the fear of feathers, or being tickled by feathers!  Who knew?

The origin of the word "ptero" is Greek (meaning feather) and "phobia" is Greek (meaning fear). Indeed, Pteronophobia is considered to be a specific phobia.

Symptoms vary by person depending on their level of fear. The symptoms typically include heightened anxiety, dread, rapid breathing, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, excessive sweating, dry mouth, and nausea.

Many people hate being tickled, and those with Pteronophobia can't even stand the sight of feathers, as it gives them the tingles or heebie-jeebies.

I never thought that people could be afraid of feathers, and I'm sure there are many more phobias out there associated with inanimate objects.

Do you have any phobias? Had you heard of Pteronophobia before?
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