Top Ten Strangest Phobias

From Chins to the Bogeyman, We've Got the Oddest Fears Imaginable

Generally, we think of public speaking or spiders when we envision phobias. However, phobias come, like most things, in all shapes and levels of weirdness. With that in mind, let's plunge right in!

1. Zemmiphobia-Fear of the great mole rat.
Suffers of zemmiphobia believe the great mole rat is tapping their phone line and planning an attack, but, in reality, there are no documented cases of giant rats stalking humans. And although naked mole rats exist in Kenya and Ethiopia, they only average four to five inches long. Eating only roots and vegetables, these critters aren't likely to make a go for your naked toes any time soon.

2. Anablephobia-Fear of looking up.
This seems a bit odd on the surface, but I've stretched my imagination to come up with disaster scenarios. While relaxing with your friends at a barbecue, you make the mistake of opening your mouth while looking up at the sky. They think you want a boiled peanut thrown in your mouth, but you're merely yawning. A tragedy ensues.

3. Consecotaleophobia-Fear of chopsticks.
According to recent studies, sixty percent of people eat Chinese food with knives and forks because they fear chopsticks. Fortunately, scientists have developed a formula to aid the ill prepared chopstick user:

Co(square root)Nnad(2-d)

C = - - -

Mt(1+a).

And if math isn't your subject, a comprehensive history and guide to the chopstick should curb fears. Numerous sites on the web (www.echopsticks.org/) offer diagrams and commentary on the art of using chopsticks.

4. Geniophobia-Fear of chins.
I think a person without a chin is much scarier than Jay Leno. Perhaps geniophobics fear the infamous butt chin. Then, it would make more since to clarify the title: Geniophobia-Fear of butt chins. Now that's understandable.