XYLOPHATAQUIEOPIAPHOBIA –
The Fear of Not Pronouncing Words Right!
By
Vivek Hande
Seneca wrote, “Where
Fear is, Happiness is Not”. While it is right to say that one should be able to
face ones’ fears and take them head on, the reality is, that fears often do
have a way of gripping you in a tight vice.
The other side of every fear, they say is freedom.
Fear is described as an unpleasant emotion caused by the
belief that someone or something is dangerous and likely to cause pain or pose
a threat. Phobias are an extreme or irrational form of fear or anxiety that is
out of proportion to the situation or object. Phobias are a strong,
unreasonable fear or even a feeling of hate for a particular thing. Phobias are
typified by being persistent and often make the sufferer want to avoid a
situation or an object.
Each of us have our own share of fears-logical or otherwise.
Every time I travel, I have a consistent fear that my checked in baggage will
be misplaced and will not arrive on the conveyor belt and if it does, it would
be the last to arrive on the belt. More often than not, my fear on this account
turns out to be true. I have started many trips to places shopping for new
clothes. I am also rather well known in the “Missing Baggage” section in most
airports.
![]() |
| Missing Invariably ! |
![]() |
| Not so Friendly |
Another of my fears is to do with ATM booths- I have a fear every
time I insert the card, that the machine is going to refuse to give me money
(it happens very often) or worse, gobble up the card (happens to me with
worrying regularity).
Yet another of my consistent fears is to do with ceiling
fans- I have a transferable job and each time, I shift into a new house, I
make it a point to do the “Fan Test”. I swing on the fan in each room to ensure
that it is indeed secure and not likely to fall off when in motion. Well, each
to his own!
There
are three kinds of Phobias. The three types of phobias are Social Phobia (fear
of public speaking, meeting new people or other social situations), Agoraphobia(fear
of being outside), and Specific Phobias (fear of other items or situations).
While
it is certainly not a nice thing having a phobia about anything, the range of things
once could be phobic about does make for an interesting list.
Object / Situation
|
Phobia
|
Fear Of Anything Yellow(Sun/ Daffodils/
yellow Paint)
|
Xanthophobia
|
Fear Of Cheese
|
Turophobia
|
Fear Of Falling Asleep
|
Somniphobia
|
Fear Of Clowns
|
Coulrophobia
|
Fear Of Woods/ Forest/Trees
|
Hylophobia
|
Fear of the Navel
|
Omphalophobia
|
Fear Of Being without Mobile Phone coverage
|
Nomophobia
|
Fear Of Heaven
|
Uranophobia
|
Fear Of Rain
|
Ombrophobia
|
Fear Of Beards
|
Pogonophobia
|
Fear of the Number 13
|
Triskaidekaphobia
|
Fear of Holes
|
Tyrpophobia
|
Fear of Mess and Untidiness
|
Ataxophobia
|
Fear of Almost Everything
|
Panphobia
|
![]() |
| Coulrophobia- no clowning matter |
This list is by no means exhaustive and is actually endless and that is rather scary in its own way.In today’s scenario, the one
fear which dominates all others is “Coronaphobia”. Anybody who coughs is looked
at with such intense fear. An unmasked person evokes a strange sense of trepidation,
anxiety and sheer dread.
![]() |
| Masking it all .. |
Fears, as somebody remarked are rationally and
carefully cultivated as roses; Phobias are however quite irrational and are
like wild weeds. Be that as it may, we have to confront our fears and face them
before they consume us. Sometimes just a little bit of light is enough to
change phobias to fluttering butterflies.













As always a unique topic chosen, Vivek. For me the biggest phobia at one time was that the comouter that I worked om would crash..... I wonder if there is a name to it....thus delayed my entry on the office PC for too long till such time I bought one of my own from Lamington road for a princely sum of Rs75000/- in 1999and honed my own skills on that.
ReplyDeleteAn excellent & informative article. Have come across several cases of fear of flying. The only solution is confronting the fear or phobia else the sufferer can get overwhelmed & an undesirable stimulation of autonomic nervous system which may manifest in physical symptoms. Thanx Vivek for all the effort.
ReplyDeleteHow apt a topic. Beautifully written as usual
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written...with a subtle flavour of the fear we all are going thru right now....
ReplyDeleteAmazing piece Sir...& so true!
ReplyDeleteI can really relate to the luggage belt at the airport...and dealing with Coronaphobiacs
Well written VH, excellent penmanship as ever. An interesting choice of topic so appt keeping in view the present fear the world is exposed to. I 5hibk everyone can relate to a phobia or two if not many.....cough. ops achoooooo.
DeleteRegards
When Tagore said "Chitto Jetha Bhoisunaya....". Where the mind is without fear.... Difficult to practice. Very well documented the facts of common fear/fobia.
DeleteBeutifully written as always....well researched and informative.
ReplyDeleteDelightful read Sir.
Such a topical topic and as always written so well. I am sure it will make people relate to the phobias suffered by them.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully penned down as usual Vivek.
ReplyDeleteLoved that read... I have a few eccentric ones of my own too....more of that later..
ReplyDeleteAs of now a great Sunday read....do keep them coming
Aptly written and can relate to many phobias as I can recollect them while reading this piece..... As usual wonderful reading and we'll covered.... Cheers
ReplyDeleteWell written Senator....the fear of fear is here....we need to stand strong....beautifully articulated a complex issue into a light enjoyable reading....take care..
ReplyDeleteNicely written...phobias & OCDs
ReplyDeleteDelightful read as always Vivek.i fear that I'll miss your next blog ��
ReplyDeleteWell written Vivek.You have p
ReplyDeleteut all the fears together'No one can say'i dont have any fear'All have some fear or other.
"where the mind is without fear and the head is held high......"We all should aim to reach that heaven where there is NO FEAR. Looking forward for your next !!!
Excellent.. Vivek..I enjoyed thoroughly this subject...You have written it wonderfully...so true..now we all are going through Corona Phobia..
ReplyDeletePurnima Bhattacharya
ReplyDeleteInteresting read. Enjoyed it in these stressful times.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully penned as usual..simple relevant topic , many times experienced by almost all..nice read
ReplyDeleteArticle which is very well written in a style easy to understand and relate to. Especially very relevant to the current scenario where we have anxiety patients walking into our ED on a daily basis due to their mortal fear of corona... Good read
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed it fearlessly
ReplyDelete-SSS
Very interesting sir, well written.
ReplyDeleteMy Doctor friend never fails to score with his subject and lucid style and sense of humour... one phobia I always had during school days was forgetting whatever studied.. those were the days selective selective studies in collaboration with God..... yet another good piece of writing... keep it flowing
ReplyDeleteYour article has come at a time when Carona phobias are so rampart.A very well written article with a touch of humour.
ReplyDeleteWonderfully written Sir! Very interesting and thought provoking.
ReplyDeleteVivek....such a good topic and great bit of writing, as ever. Truly, phobias are a hallmark of modern society. I am inclined to think its a direct consequence of the 'in your face' living and a self preservative response, much too often. I myself, have moved from a totally 'bindaas' life till my early thirties and often these decades have notedmy own hang dog state of mind, most definitely related to anxieties which, without their commonplace disguise, are a 'wanna be' phobia in the making. De-gusing is certainly in order from time to time, and each has to find their own way to that wonderland, lest one be caught chasing one's tail....
ReplyDeleteSir it's very interesting and nicely written! It is so refreshing to read something new !
ReplyDeleteSuch a great piece of work sir
ReplyDeleteTo be afraid is a sign of common sence👏
Extraordinary writing sir
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSir, an excellent article .
ReplyDeleteWell articulated on a very relevant and less discussed topic.in today's times and rhatvtoo such uncertain times, its critical we are aware of fears and phobias, especially its impact on society, thanks to social media. Well written as always, Vivek.👍
ReplyDeleteSandeep kulhalli
ReplyDeleteVery easy read sir. I never thought fear of not able to pronounce will itself be another fear. Regards Shashi Bhushan
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written sir, other side of fear has freedom.....
ReplyDeleteVery nicely written Vivek. Looks like as we progress in life we go from one fear or the other. The Gauls - Asterix and the jing-bang - didn't fear anything much except sky falling over their heads!
ReplyDeleteFear is as much a reality as, if I may say so, God; you can't see it but it is omnipotent and omnipresent!
Beautifully written sir..interesting topic..
ReplyDeleteVery nicely written sir.
ReplyDeleteSoo perfectly penned down with great information ! Each and every part enjoyable reading. Keep writing
ReplyDeleteExcellently penned down sir...it is always a joy to read ur blogs.
ReplyDeleteAn excellent article Sir. Quite informative and very well written. ..! !
ReplyDeleteSimply superb and very informative. As always learnt something new from this article. Thanks
ReplyDeleteVivek, the genius. An excellent article.
ReplyDeleteVery nice Sir... coming to recognise some of them existed within ourselves
ReplyDeleteSir, I can relate to many :) Awesome compilation
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written, sir.. I particularity liked the part "a little bit of light is enough to change phobias into fluttering butterflies ".. so true
ReplyDeleteExcellent article Sir, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteNice one sir, can relate to many with self.
ReplyDeleteCoronaphobia is at its peak sir, requiring quality counceling and sometimes placebo too.
ReplyDeleteTo win against fear, needs to go in the zone of fear.
It's extraordinary feeling, winning a battle against fear n phobia.
Wonderful article sir.
So true...i can very well relate to it.I hope i didnt boost the idea of this blog the other day in auditorium...
ReplyDeleteGreat Sir... simply superb so inspirational and apt during turbulent times... True everyone has his or her set of fears and phobias. Those who corsses line becomes conquerer..hats off to you
ReplyDeleteVery well written blog on a topical and relevant topic. But then nothing less is expected of you ! My complements . Take care !
ReplyDeleteDelightful, captivating and highly relevant in the present 'Covidays'. Could completely connect with the sticky situation of ATM! Savoured the graphics sir , I am sure lot of legwork has gone into it. Xylophataquieopiaphobia holds true to its name 😊
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing!!
What an insight. It seems mountain decided to homevisit Mohammad in order to maintain social distancing during lockdown.
ReplyDeleteFrom the iron coffins to restrained at home, the only difference is you can't open the hatch and come out once dived, whilst in another your sensibility should prevail.
Let them coming more often.
Am excellent share
ReplyDeleteBeautifully carved
Thanks for an awesome article Sir!
In the background of COVID a very aptly chosen topic to pen on..
ReplyDeleteWe will be having many more phobias to attend to in the aftermath of this ongoing hopefully not perpetual crisis.
A good informative read sir..
Indeed a welcome distraction.seriosly you should hold a workshop on creative writing.Love the content,style layout ,even the interspersed quotes were a delight.'everything you like......'Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteNicely written by sir on such practical topic, at background of global covid19 pendemic.
ReplyDeleteThank you sir for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAmazing sir..
ReplyDeleteAwesome read
A great read Sir. I always enjoy your relatable topics and the simple yet elegant language. Keep your pen busy Sir... Touche.
ReplyDeletewell articulated and thoughtful as usual. looking forward for many more. thank you for sharing sir
ReplyDeleteVery thoughtful and very unique write up.. Sir and हट के. That reminds me of one of hollywood movie scene. Some people do express and some hide fear as per situation. Art of hiding fear is a one of the best quality of Politicians and Bussinessmen. Very interesting read. I would to love to read such extraordinary pieces. Regards, Amol.
ReplyDeleteSir, you truly have a way with words even if it's about the mind gone wayward. While ruminating on tbe subject ,discovered my own phobia . A confirmed mageirocophobe , an ominous sign under such locked at home times .
ReplyDeleteI was afraid to read it at First !!
ReplyDeleteVery well written
Respected sir greetings
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed a very interesting and informative article in this prevailing pandemic circumstances.
Sir it is really diverting minds and thoughts in this stressful time...
I again thank you for sharing such wonderful article...
Sincere regards
Dr Shiv Gopal Singh
Dear Vivek, you have an eye on rare things and a very special ability to go into intricate details. It is a gift. It is a very Good quality to see beyond the obvious. Really very good writing. .
ReplyDeleteVivek, I enjoyed the read! Healthy fears are necessary to overcome in order to gain success and achieve goals. We all have our own that can stop us in our tracks. I will add one to the list — fear of failure (atychiphobia). Regards, Pravin
ReplyDeleteWow Vivek As usual informative & light read. My fear was of not pronouncing the words right. Two things happened. People not so fluent or well versed in the language were getting away with awful pronunciations.
ReplyDeleteSecondly once you leave India & become a nomad like us you realise there are many types of "English" spoken.
Ohhh yes the Conveyor belt fear is 100%. Luckily not missed my baggage even once in 26 years.
Amazing article sir
ReplyDeleteDear Vivek,
ReplyDeleteAnother unique and aptly chosen topic.... Each one of has few odd phobias tucked deep in our psyche which come to fore once in a while due some innocuous triggers....
Excellent writing Sir,as always.
ReplyDeleteHi Doc. Thanks for sending .Very well articulated and realistic too .
ReplyDeleteHi Doc. Thanks for sending the article. It is well articulated n realistic too.
ReplyDeleteNice one..
ReplyDeleteOnce while travelling in train, I came across a person just standing holding on to the middle berth, and his lower berth fully arranged for sleep. I was inquisitive and found that he was not sleeping fearing that any time the chains of middle berth gets loosened and might fall while he slept!!