Hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia

On account of the marvellous feedback we had last week when we looked at the word floccinaucinihilipilification, I am guessing that long words are currently in vogue!  Therefore, I have decided to continue with the theme and the word of the week, this week, is hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia. Ironically, this 35 lettered, 15 syllable word means “a fear of long words” – yes I guessed that would make you smile. Some people, with a weird sense of humour, even put in an extra “p” (hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia) to make the word even longer! My challenge to you is to use this word in an everyday conversation. Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to work this word into a sentence, and just see how many of your friends or family have any idea of what you are talking about!

So, where on earth does this word come from? What is the etymology? Well take a good look at the spelling of hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia, and you will see that it you can identify, in some form, four other words. It includes sesquipedalio, which relates to long words and phobia, an irrational fear of something, whilst the “hippopoto" and "monstro” part are merely short versions of hippopotamus and monster and are included just to make the word even longer!  I believe that the person who first coined this word certainly had a good sense of humour!  As an alternative you could use the word sesquipedaliophobia which is also used to describe the fear of long words, but hey, not half so much fun is it?

If you would like to know how this amazing word is pronounced, take a look at this amusing video clip.

 

Although we have been taking a light-hearted look at the word itself, on a more serious note, hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia is a real phobia which can have a profound effect on those who suffer from it.  Effects may vary considerably, for some it may only be a fear of extremely long words, whilst for others fairly moderate words are enough to cause anxiety.  Like all phobias, the causes are not always clear and may include genetics, brain chemistry and life experiences. A phobia may occur after a traumatic event.  

However, the fear of long words tends to be fairly uncommon and for some the symptoms are mild. However, for others this phobia can have a real effect on their everyday life. It may affect a child’s performance in school or interfere with an adult’s ability to carry out their job.  Treatment is available for those who suffer with hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia, and if this is affecting you or a member of your family you may want to find out more information at http://common-phobias.com/hippo/phobia.htm

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