# Post your silly fears here.... **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [August 9, 2000, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-silly-fears-here/28732 "2000-08-09T19:05:19Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Coldfire](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a587f6/32.png) [@Coldfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Coldfire)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2000, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-silly-fears-here/28732/21 "2000-08-10T00:01:14Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Nekochan \* > \*\* > > > [@](#): > > > > \*Originally posted by JoeyHemlock \* > > \*\*What’s a Walloon? \*\* > > A Walloon is a type of Belgian. Southern Belgian, if I am not mistaken.\*\* Your geography is impressive, but it’s a _Walon_ (French), or {i]Waal\* (Dutch/Flemish). They are from the south of Belgium, but more precisely, from the French speaking part of Belgium. Although even that isn’t entirely accurate: there are some Dutch speaking parts of _Walonie_ and some French speaking parts of Flanders. In other words: if you want to scratch your head in amazement, read up on Belgiums history over the last 500 years 😉 No idea what a Walloon is though. **Fastli’lshitophobia** : an irrational fear of tiny animals (especially rodents and reptiles) just because they are so damn quick. Now, if you will excuse me, I will continue my mouse hunt in the kitchen. Dammit. ---
**Author:** ![pLt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/eb9ed0/32.png) [@pLt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pLt)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2000, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-silly-fears-here/28732/22 "2000-08-10T00:25:58Z")
My little brother has an irrational fear of cotton wool. One night after he had pissed me off no end I went into his room while he was asleep and covered him with cotton wool. He woke up an hour and a half later screaming the house down. I thought it was funny … ok so no-one else did but that’s not the point. ---
**Author:** ![Nekochan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/b3f665/32.png) [@Nekochan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nekochan)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2000, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-silly-fears-here/28732/23 "2000-08-10T00:31:44Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Coldfire \* > \*\* > > > [@](#): > > > > \*Originally posted by Nekochan \* > > \*\* > > > > > [@](#): > > > > > > \*Originally posted by JoeyHemlock \* > > > \*\*What’s a Walloon? \*\* > > > > A Walloon is a type of Belgian. Southern Belgian, if I am not mistaken.\*\* > > Your geography is impressive, but it’s a _Walon_ (French), or {i]Waal\* (Dutch/Flemish). They are from the south of Belgium, but more precisely, from the French speaking part of Belgium. Although even that isn’t entirely accurate: there are some Dutch speaking parts of _Walonie_ and some French speaking parts of Flanders. In other words: if you want to scratch your head in amazement, read up on Belgiums history over the last 500 years 😉 > > No idea what a Walloon is though. > > \*\* Thank you, but it is not my knowledge of geography that is impressive, but my ability to store obscure (for an American) facts. I was really glad to get a chance to whip that one out. “Walloon” must be an English corruption of _Walon_ or _Waal_. So, while it may look weird to you, that is how it is spelled here. I learned about Walloons while reading an article about ethnic/linguistic conflicts in Europe, and because the article only discussed Belgium, I assumed…you know. Now I know better. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Catfood\_Purrito](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c6cbf5/32.png) [@Catfood\_Purrito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Catfood_Purrito)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2000, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-silly-fears-here/28732/24 "2000-08-10T00:46:49Z")
Is there a specific word meaning “fear of grasshoppers?” Or, any insect vaguely resembling a grasshopper? Those little bastards are the most frightening things that walk the earth… A story: Picture it, my junior year of high school, biology class. We had just finished dissecting earthworms, and we were now moving on to something a bit larger and more complex, i.e., grasshoppers. Not just any grasshoppers, African grasshoppers. They were over 6 inches long and black. That entire day, I was psyching myself up for it, “Oh, Mishell, they’re dead, you can handle it, no big deal.” I really was okay with it…for a while. Then, biology class came, and I took my seat. The teacher began passing out the grasshoppers. I was doing okay, until he got to the person seated next to me and I actually saw one somewhat close up. Then, the anxiety began. When he plopped one in front of me, I totally and completely freaked out, I jumped out of my chair, stumbed backwards, hyperventilating, tears streaming down my face, practically trying to climb the shelving behind me…everyone is staring at me, and I just couldn’t control myself, finally, Mr. Markham says, “Mishell, would you like to go to the bathroom?” All I could do was nod. So, I headed to the bathroom and composed myself, and when I returned, Mr. Markham was waiting outside the classroom and he offered to allow me to write a report on grasshoppers instead of dissecting one. I agreed, and he told me to just go to the library every day for the rest of the week. This is when I find out that I can’t even look at a picture of a grasshopper without having a weird panic attack. Then, I went on to dissect the crawfish, perch, frog, fetal pig, and cat without incident. I even enjoyed it, it was totally fascinating. Go figure. ---
**Author:** ![TVeblen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/4bbf92/32.png) [@TVeblen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TVeblen)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2000, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-silly-fears-here/28732/25 "2000-08-10T01:06:48Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Mishell \* > \*\*Is there a specific word meaning “fear of grasshoppers?” \*\* Yep, **Kungfuphobia**. (“Grasshopper! What is the meaning of…?” ::numchucks and feet land with meaty thuds:🙂 Actually, your tale wrung my withers, so to speak. In Intro Bio we dissected a fetal pig. It wasn’t enough that I’m allergic to formaldehyde. Sniffling, honking, eyes streaming I agonized over the wretched mess of innards in the dissection tray. After endless, awful, panicked hours it turns out the #@&%$ pre-pig was a hermaphrodite. Some knowledge is surpisingly easy to live without. Veb ---
**Author:** ![Lazarus7](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/67e7ee/32.png) [@Lazarus7](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lazarus7)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2000, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-silly-fears-here/28732/26 "2000-08-10T01:07:03Z")
\ … I heard that there were Walloons hanging around the board. Can we swat at them with rolled up newspapers before the breed and crawl over us while we sleep? \ ---
**Author:** ![TVeblen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/4bbf92/32.png) [@TVeblen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TVeblen)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2000, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-silly-fears-here/28732/27 "2000-08-10T03:29:26Z")
Somehow got distracted… Maybe the spelling and usage vary, but Walloons is (are? shit!) an accepted term hereabouts. Hey, don’t nitpick; what’s the plural? Wallooni? Wallonians? Walloniotes? _Anyway_, mainly encountered in out-of-the-way literature that ambled through Belgium and environs. Talk about confusing! If I’m sorting out he linguistics and sterotypes properly, Walloons are the cultural presences that give rise to tacky jokes about dedication to work ethic and packing their own food while pinching pennies. Sheesh, it’s hard enough keeping New World stereotypes apart. We came from you guys! Non-Walloon, but proudly mongrel, Veb ---
**Author:** ![dragonlady](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/5f8ce5/32.png) [@dragonlady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dragonlady)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2000, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-silly-fears-here/28732/28 "2000-08-10T03:33:58Z")
I’m afraid that Vestal Blue will run out of cinnamon oil before we meet in person. Silly, isn’t it??? ---
**Author:** ![purrplebear](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/90ced4/32.png) [@purrplebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purrplebear)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2000, 5:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-silly-fears-here/28732/29 "2000-08-10T05:22:22Z")
dragonlady, I saw his stash while visiting him and the other Blues. I wouldn’t worry if I were you. Really. Not a bit. :eek: Mishell, I can empathize with you completely. Veb, I just _loved_ your name for that! ---
**Author:** ![That\_Girl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e79b87/32.png) [@That\_Girl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/That_Girl)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2000, 5:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-silly-fears-here/28732/30 "2000-08-10T05:26:38Z")
**Pseudophobia** the fear you are a hypochondriac, which itself is making you sick. ---
**Author:** ![JoeyHemlock](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7ba0ec/32.png) [@JoeyHemlock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JoeyHemlock)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2000, 5:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-silly-fears-here/28732/31 "2000-08-10T05:45:34Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Nekochan \* > **A Walloon is a type of Belgian. Southern Belgian, if I am not mistaken.** Are they scary? I have Roncophobia - Fear of infomercials. Okay, not really, actually I love them. ---
**Author:** ![GuanoLad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guanolad/32/42_2.png) [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2000, 7:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-silly-fears-here/28732/32 "2000-08-10T07:47:05Z")
I have a fear of eating vegetables. As I have related a few times afore. **Lachanophobia.** Also fear of dogs, water, heights, crowds, and chatting to women with the intent of asking them out. However, I do **not** fear death, being on stage, public speaking, or snakes (which are apparently amongst the most common fears). ---
**Author:** ![Dragwyr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dragwyr/32/2855_2.png) [@Dragwyr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dragwyr)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2000, 12:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-silly-fears-here/28732/33 "2000-08-10T12:44:40Z")
How about poképhobia - Fear of kids that idolize and worship Pokémon ---
**Author:** ![TwistofFate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/cdc98d/32.png) [@TwistofFate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TwistofFate)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2000, 1:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-silly-fears-here/28732/34 "2000-08-10T13:09:30Z")
ok, dont laugh at this… clowns. I was traumatised when I was a kid by clowns. and Stephen King’s IT. to quote Adam Sandler “I hate that clown!” ---
**Author:** ![Kiki](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/dc4da7/32.png) [@Kiki](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kiki)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2000, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-silly-fears-here/28732/35 "2000-08-10T15:44:17Z")
John, I know lot’s of people who are scared of clowns. My ex-husband was terrified of them. He said they looked evil. I am scared of pitch black places. If there is a little bit of light coming through a window or under the door, I’m o.k. but if I can’t see anything… I’m scared shitless! I went through a haunted house when I was 16 and was knocked over by one of their “creatures” in a pitch black room… I didn’t see it coming and when I fell on my ass this thing started wrestling around with me and growling. I started crying and my friends started hitting the thing so he would get off me and then we left. I was sooo traumatized! How about Doughaphobia - fear of money or telemarphobia - fear of telemarketers. ---
**Author:** ![Sn-man](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8dc957/32.png) [@Sn-man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sn-man)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2000, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-silly-fears-here/28732/36 "2000-08-10T16:06:57Z")
I have a fear of hypodermic needles. I hate blood tests, flu shots, etc… It is completely unreasonable. I get really worked up before a shot. Afterward it seems like no big deal. But I go nuts waiting for it. I avoid shots unless it’s absolutely necessary. ---
**Author:** ![Diane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/2acd7d/32.png) [@Diane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diane)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2000, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-silly-fears-here/28732/37 "2000-08-10T16:42:51Z")
Killermothaphobia. Moths - ALL MOTHS - scare the living shit out of me. ---
**Author:** ![Diane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/2acd7d/32.png) [@Diane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diane)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2000, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-silly-fears-here/28732/38 "2000-08-10T16:50:10Z")
Killermothaphobia. Moths - ALL MOTHS - scare the living shit out of me. ---
**Author:** ![matt\_mcl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7ab992/32.png) [@matt\_mcl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/matt_mcl)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2000, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-silly-fears-here/28732/39 "2000-08-10T17:41:34Z")
> [@](#): > > **Walloon** _n._ **1** a member of a French-speaking people inhabiting S and E Belgium and neighbouring parts of France (compare Fleming). **2** the French dialect spoken by this people. _adj._ of or concerning the Walloons or their language. [French _Wallon_ from medieval Latin _Wallo -onis_ from Germanic; compare WELSH] > -_The Canadian Oxford Dictionary_ I’m not certain, but I believe that the name for their territory is Wallonia. And if you read the adjectival definition, you will see that the plural of Walloon is Walloons. > [@](#): > > “Belgium also contains people known as Walloons, who are amazingly not ashamed of this. They’re _proud_ of it. ‘I myself am a Walloon,’ is the sort of thing they say frequently.” > -_Dave Barry’s Only Travel Guide You’ll Ever Need_ ---
**Author:** ![HelloKitty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ecccb3/32.png) [@HelloKitty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HelloKitty)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2000, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-silly-fears-here/28732/40 "2000-08-10T18:14:50Z")
I have an abnormal fear of those “Please Standby, We are Experiencing Technical Difficulties” messages that come up on TV when the satellite connection goes down, etc. Irrationally, my mind will always start wandering…“oh no, the aliens are attacking” or something equally silly. My nephew is deathly afraid of Gumby. Screams in terror if it ever comes on TV. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-silly-fears-here/28732.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-silly-fears-here/28732.md?page=3)