psychology






 

Question by  anil (62)

What is the terminology for the fear of long words?

 
+11

Answer by  Deepz (121)

Hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia is the word for fear of long words. It itself is a long word. those who have Hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia cannot read or say any long words like this. They cannot remember the word or they may twist the word when they try to say it. They cannot spell the long words as well

 
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Answer by  sususu (866)

The word sesquipedaliophobia means "fear of long words" but probably isn't used that often because "fear of long words" has fewer syllables. The word hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia also exists for the same meaning and is likely only used for comedic effect: to be a very long word meaning a fear of long words.

 
+5

Answer by  DanielleG (219)

There are actually two different words which could be used to describe this fear: Hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia or Sesquipedalophobia. Both describe the fear of long words but sesquipedalophobia is the more common accepted words whereas is used for the comic effect it has since it is a long word and emphasizes the phobia itself.

 
+5

Answer by  Doomstoned (1454)

The specific terminology used to address the fear of long words is the extensively multi-sylabic word, hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia. The ironically lengthy word for this particularly odd phobia is in and of itself quite capable of inducing fear, at least with respect to one's being able to correctly pronounce it, especially without stuttering and stammering.

 
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