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Today, in a Behavioral Sciences course I'm taking in psychology, the instructor posed a bizzare question to the class; banning known obscenities and racial slurs, what is/are the word(s) that for reasons you may or may not be able to discern, cause you great discomfort-a word or a combination of common words that for some reason or another seem ridiculous to you, makes your skin crawl, makes you shake your head in distaste, or downright scares or appalls you. I was amazed to discover that I personally had a long list of words that I always avoid, that cause me to become uncomfortable just to think about. One of them is "hyperventilate". Another is "fester". What the hells up with this? Everyone in the class had a few to add, most of them being absolutely ridiculous, such as, "crimson" and "circumspect". While this all seems rather odd, I suppose there is a reason for it, though my instructor has not yet divulged it-perhaps it has something to do with word-association or misinterpretation, I don't know.

I would assume that it is mostly word association, circumspect correlates to circumcision and crimson to blood. I know that I have words that call up memories I try to avoid (extreme emotions, putrid smells, repulsive imagery), some for no apparent reason.
There is also social training. We are taught that some words are better off left elsewhere and to pay them no mind, like a mental rap on the knuckles and causes an inward wince. After a while we simply cannot tolerate that word.

I would be very interested in learning another cause for such aversion. Words have strong emotive powers, that is why the most skilled writers can bring you to such heights and depths with just a few lines. Were someone able to tap into the database of words that have to strongest rate of affection then... well, I don't know but it would at the very least be an intriguing psychological study.

I dont like the word queue, I dont know why but if i say it over and over it starts to stick in my mouth and sound weird like its not right

In all cases, words have both positive and negative impacts on the psyche. Profain words are ment to insult and or ridicule, therefore they are negative words. Such impactful words could cause the individual growing from child to adult to become disassociated. That is, if they are brought up in a negative atmosphere.

The banning of certain words could be seen as moot, since it is the human right of freedom of speech. We as a society must learn to deal with those who would seek to govern how we live, act and speak.

I can see why this thread has been entitled "Phobia" since it is neatly associated with a fear base. Mayhaps society would get along smoother if such negatively connotated words were to disappear and a less insulting atmosphere would take place. Or reinvent words that associate with insults, as this could make for a better environment over all.

can you tell me why I choke on the word "Queue"?

The word "queue" is both a foreign word to the lips and tongue as well as has negative connotations. Who wants to stand in line, waiting for something? A negative aspect here, which may be the reason why your mind cannot percieve the word as justified, and why it sounds very foreign to you, making you not want to stomach it.

hey great thread and your right ss I hate long queues and get irritable when stuck in one to the point where i'll actually not bother purchasing and just walk off rather than stand in a queue

Insepid (sp)

Ravel.. Unravel

A word that " tickles my fancy" Yikes"

Constitutes,

Another peculiar word..befuddled..duscumbobulated (sp)

Avaist, a word not common in English dialect, is a word I hear people use
To appear cultured..

Grist.. is often used out of context.,

while words don't " scare my" the manner in which people deliver them catches my attention.

Some words , and phrases are " Over-the-head" when used in conversation as well, some words, or phrases tip a skilled listener to Tall Tales as well, indication words, that are all to common in boulderdashery.. or twittery.

Syringe.

Plasma.

Needle.

Intravenous.

I actually start getting physically ill just hearing these words.

Oh, and regarding my previous posting, my girlfriend -- who is a nurse and sees and works with all these things on a daily basis -- thinks it absolutely hilarious that I can't stand these words.

"Syringe.

Plasma.

Needle.

Intravenous.

I actually start getting physically ill just hearing these words."

*Chuckles* Association with just about anything clinical may make someone ill, since one does loathe going to the hospital for anything.

yeah I have to agree, I fear the word needle, if someone mentions that word I start to cringe

I have started to see a patter of word sounds, that seem to make anyone cringe. Sounds such as "e", or sharp sounds like "s". Any sharp sounds seems to make a negative connotation for the delivery of definition. The "q" sounds seem to bring on some sort of either nastalgia, or stomach wrench. "Quiver" is a good example of this. "Oh, I quiver with fear", is negative, unlike its counter-part "the arrow in the quiver." Noticeable differant in association tactics. Which association makes the mind hurt worse? The negative? Only because it is "associated" with negative impacting connotations.

'S'

that would explain Snakes....the word scares you. Notice when ppl say the word they tend to draw out the s....sssnake

The same seems to follow suite with inSects, and SpiderS. Anything creepy crawley tends to have an S sound. GraSShopper, waSp.. Yeah, its catching...

my point exactly, the letter S is scary lol.

some usages of words or over usages of words make me cringe or plainly pee me off for example

darling, my brother is gay and calls everyone darling which makes me cringe and so does my aunty before anyone tries to say its a homophobia, my best mate is gay

I also want to tear my hair out at the word "moot" which ss is so very fond of using and its his over use of that word which is making it grit my....

Great topic. Words. Do they mean the same to everyone. Obviously not because each of us have words that uniquely bother us. One of mine is "formaldehyde". I remeber the smell of the hospitals in my youth. You visted the sick and the dieing and the smell of "formaldehyde" overwhelmed my sense of smell. "Dad, what is that horrible smell". "Formaldehyde son." The word reeks for me.

The word "communist" was used quite freely in the 1950's and, once you were branded with it, your economic life in the US was ruined. It did not matter that it was a mistake of youth or that we had fought with the communists to defeat Hitler; the word itself was enough to get you fired from your government job or eve as a Hollywood screen writer.

The word "hippie" is a fascinating word through its evloution. Webster defines hipie as "a young person who rejects established mores, advocated non-violence, and ofter uses psychedelic drugs or marijuana" That does not sound too horrible and yet when the word is used in the mass media it is in the context of radical thought; activity completely out of the mainstream; a failed culture.

Also, I wonder if you see red the same way I do? I learned the colors, probably as you did, when I was very young. I said what is that or simply pointed and was told it was a "red" firetruck. A "red" horse. A "red haired girl". But, if I look through your eyes, would I see what I know as "red" or would i see what I know as Purple.

food4thought

Love all words, but have a gf who hates the word "moist." I try to work it into the conversation whenever I'm around her and she's clearly repulsed. She also doesn't have sex. Not sure if there's a connection.

Lordbaal makes a great point-certain words that make you cringe because someone repeats them over and over; revelation...I realized while reading his comment that there are also certain people I either tend to avoid or get irritated with because of their usage of certain words; example, my older brother...whenever he uses the expression "I fell in love with that", refering, of course, to an item or a song or some smooshy movie, I get agravated at him. Why? Because it sounds so effeminate coming from a guy I always think of as very street tough and manly. I also hate the word "darling". I also cringe at words people use out of context, something I myself have done. Or perhaps its not actually the words, but the person. I can see where this would make for great psychological examination; you take a simple every day word you don't like and suddenly you hate the whole bloody world. Amazing.

My son overuses the word "like" and unfortunately while talking to him, I find that I start to overuse it. It's insidious. So now I prefer email with him because neither one of us uses it unless we are making a deliberate comparison. Otherwise, words are a frothy brew. Drink up!

Many would say it is Association of something that the word reminds us of even if we only read about something that had used the word. It is a Phobia or Fear if you will. Our minds have that dark corner set aside for fearful things,words etc. send off a bell and we are like OMG. you eel sick or something so therefore you avoid it at all cost.

I call it puplic programming. I mean we see and hear things all the time such as needdles, blood etc is said and we think the worst of the word before even giving
our brain time to recalculate the words and that they can mean other positive things, yet, I feel it is the puplic programming that is out there in Ads, jobs, different background histories etc.

I know I do not like the word Pea soup just for the fct it reminds me of a putried smell and a back memory for me when I was a child.

We associate everything with everything. Words pictures, actions, races countries etc.

Just my thoughts is all

My English class was also just talking about this-"Moist" seems to get a lot of people... Also words like "panties" and similar words with similar connotations get me...

Taboo words, as well as ephimism are apt to effect those that had strict moral upbringing, often they are either repulsed by/cringe at such words, or in rebelion they exagerate the usage of such words.. Phrases when grown, and on their own. Nostalgia; as SS mentioned accounts for the fondness of or noterity of words or phrases.

The application, and intent of the individual who uses such " power words" vary, but some are more telling/ evident then others.

I have thought long and hard of a word(s) that would make me cringe or make me a nervous wreck to say them and find that for me I am not offended even by the meanest of words that could ever possibly be said to me. It is not that they have no meaning for me but in all respect even if someone were to insult me to the most vulgar degree I would think it a beautiful thing. It takes a lot of nerve and boldness and courage to be able to tell the truth to someone face to face. Expression no matter how it is said or done is a wonderful and powerful thing. But to be able to express through words is a hard thing to do for some people. And if they feel better getting it out then so be it. Who am I to cast judgement on their opinion. besides why should you be afraid to say certain words if it expresses how you feel or portrays who you are etc.

most hated words.....


monday
meeting
cumquat (ok, its just a funny word)

the word that always makes me cringe a little inside is "empower" . for me it conjures up images of political correctness.
in fact any term that is "politically correct" prolly causes me gastro intestinal distress.
~W~

I had a friend who couldn't stand the words crusty, horny, and some others along those lines.

I want to know if the opposite is true? Do we use words consistently because we like the way they sound? I know I use the words monotony and ridiculous a lot because i like the way they "roll" off my tongue.

to quote warren zevon:
"a little old lady got mutilated late last night, werewolves of london again"
love the way that rolls off the tongue.
~W~

Moist and panties are wonderful words. The "c" word makes me angry and the word booger automatically makes me sniffle. Well now sniffle that's different too. Some folks see images when they hear words too-could be pleasant-or not

How about "stifle"? How would this word be to the senses? just say it a few times and let our audience know.

how many phobias r there?

the name tristie....it makes me thhink of someone twisting someones neck and it is quite disturbing. i get the image and everything

I don't really have any word "phobias", but I do HATE the word mandatory, especially when it is associated with a government. For example, the idea of mandatory immunizations make me angry. The Federal government has passed a law making it possible for them to enforce mandatory immunizations, using the National Guard to do it. And if you do not comply they will quarantine you at your expense. This concept sparks every defiant bone in my body ?
This is not paranoia either, it is for real. In fact there are no exemptions to this Federal law. So, my County just passed a resolution giving people the option to be exempt for medical, religious, and philosophical reasons. I attended all four County of Hawaii Council meetings about this issue. So, I wanted to bring this topic up because it is only the beginning of the government using the word mandatory in reference to other aspects of our lives.
Another mandatory issue coming down the pipe is HR 875 The Modernization Food Act of 2009. This act mandates that all of us register every food producing plant you grow, even if you are not commercial. The penalty for non-compliance is jail. This is in Congress now, our Rep. Maize Hirono signed it. Now this mandatory thing has gone way to far.
There are other laws being passed under our noses which take away the rights of the people using the word mandatory. So, much for being free.
Another word[s] that bother me is Civil Rights, because it makes me angry when I think of how much freedom we have really lost.
Taxes is probably another sore spot. I hate that word,LOL.
Anyway, you get the picture.
=)

Wow I never really noticed it was a phobia... how utterly interesting.

The first word I can think of at the top of my head I actually can't say as its an obscenity. When I hear it I am disgusted, appalled, nauseated... and I hate the word with a passion and look down on anyone that uses the word.

Oh and for the curious it is a C word that is used for the female genital area... *shudders*

Agrees with Firebrand.I hate that word.

I think the words which give us disturbance, we should avoid them. there are abusing words, there are other irritating words we should exclude from our daily talk which makes our behavier. coz words impact on our cerebro thus it change our resolve too and thus nature.

supposably ( I hate this one.. my whole body cringes upon hearing this )

Cracker and piehole.. Atrocious words to my ears

Here is another word I hate. It inspires complete RAGE :
Helicopter
I absolutely hate them because I live in a tourist state and they fly low over your house. You feel like you are under attack. I know of veterans of war time who become distraught whenever they are flying over them. It brings back bad memories, and even flashbacks. I also had a friend that was washing her windows sitting in the window frame about two stories off the ground. A helicopter came so low, scarping the tree tops. It startled her, she fell out of the window, hit her head on a rock, and was unconscious for half an hour. Not to mention there is an average of a crash a month. Boy, they don't want the tourists knowing that. Anyway, whenever I hear that word, I become instantly angry, and hostile,LOL

Agree with Lorex (not Firebrand), both "C" words refering to the male and female genitalia are reprehensible.

I love using the 'C' word because of the reaction it gets..

I dislike try and can't.

I like the word "puppy." Theres just something about that word!

I`ve been reading all posts for a while now, trying to think of one or more disturbing words for me. As I didn`t find any, I think I`m not conscious of them.
I have to agree with most opinions.
I would say that this phobia comes either from the obnoxious repetition of a certain word, either from the infliction of prohibition or inappropriateness for it by family and/or society.
Anyway, it depends on the individual and his/her perception and degree of analysis.

I nearly never say the word: wrong... and the more i think of thee word, the more displeasing it is esthetically to my ear.

I also don't use the word fat in context with weight.

And a word I find that a lot of people can't say is tampon.

looks up,lol
tampon
tampon
tampon
=P

i need to make a correction of my last post i got all turned around, dyslexia you know, bad grammar too,lol

here is what it should have said :
I agree with coolleyhou

"Agree with Lorex (not Firebrand), both "C" words refering to the male and female genitalia are reprehensible."
way worse than tampon,lol

Personally, I hate really short words unless they are necessary.

All very good. Goodnight.