What is Kosmemophobia?

Loud statement jewelry isn't everyone's thing, but an actual fear of necklaces, earrings, and the like? Turns out the struggle is real, with a small group of people experiencing a true phobia known as kosmemophobia.

The most noticeable victim is NASCAR's Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Specific types of jewelry can affect sufferers differently. As a Live journal entry from 2004 noted, "Earrings tend to be just a minor annoyance, but rings are a definite turn-off, bracelets make me queasy, anklets make me nearly nauseous, and necklaces...ugh, I scratch my neck just thinking about them, much less looking at them. Necklaces are by far the worst." Those with the phobia often have the need to wash themselves after encountering jewelry. "I often fail to repress the desire to wash [it] even after just scratching my never-had-a-necklace-on-it neck after even just envisioning a necklace," the Live journal user explained.

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Test your knowledge

What are your thoughts on this subject?

33 Comments

Heather P

My hubby would say I definitely do not have kosmemophobia. He wishes I did though. Haha.

earlepg

My first guess was that memories would be the most logical because of the "-memor-" part, but double chance said no to that. I decided to try what I thought was the most illogical item, jewelry, thinking that it too, would be rejected, and I was having a hard time between choosing between commitment and photos as my final try, when I saw that I didn't have to.

Christopher J Voce

Rhyming slang for jewellery. The ag burgs scarpered down the frog with the Tom.

Dennis Walker

Grant McIntosh, depends on which country you reside in

Player

I didn't realise fears had victims.

Lynne Zeman

I considered this choice based on trying to break down the word but found it too bazzare

Syed Hussain

logically, no woman can have this disease, or could she?

Peter Robertson

Heather P, Yes,the ideal women would have this.??????????

Chris Braid

Great question thank you.

L Lh Adams

I don't wear rings,bracelets,watches as after years of hazardous work,I've gotten used to it.

Kim B Ley

Marcella Kosse, Same here

Louise C.

Grant McIntosh, I know that in Australia we do spell it with two of letter L

Louise C.

I am far from having a fear of jewelry, and like Heather P, my husband would love it if I did

Marcella Kosse

I haven’t worn jewelry in years, unless you count watches. Even then, I take my watch off at home and set it where I can check the time. Not a phobia, but a reaction to metals.

Michelle Dayton

I don't get freaked out by jewelry on me...I just don't find it comfortable. I tend to take items off after an hour or fidget with them while they are there.