Hidden worries
What are you afraid of? These peculiar phobias might surprise you!
Published on February 2, 2026
Image: John Cameron
Most of us have run into the usual fears, like snakes or small spaces, but some phobias hide behind everyday situations. They can quietly shape habits without anyone noticing. Today, we’re playing a little game: we’ll give you some clues and the scientific name of the phobia. You’ll get the clues first, then the reveal, and maybe you’ll pick up a fun fact to share at your next coffee chat.
Plutophobia
Image: Jaqueline Fritz
This name hints at something "plutus," which once referred to wealth in old Greek stories. It is related to the world of finance, and people who are afraid of this thing don’t really like extra income. Can you guess why that is?
Xanthophobia
Image: Annie Spratt
What can we say about this one? Here’s a hint: this fear shows up in everyday life more often than you’d expect. Think of someone who avoids certain flowers, clothing, or even kitchen items because the shade makes their skin crawl. What color are they afraid of?
Ablutophobia
Image: Caleb Woods
This fear tends to start young, and while most kids outgrow it, some do not. Why? Maybe trauma, maybe because of how uncomfortable this activity is for most kids. What do they hate more than eating their greens? Think about that, and you’ll get your answer.
Globophobia
Image: Jon Tyson
Speaking of kids and things they like… or don’t! You can probably guess the shape hinted at in this name. Picture someone who avoids birthday parties or steers clear of anything that might suddenly pop. Even seeing the object on TV can set them on edge if the fear runs deep.
Ergophobia
Image: Yohann LIBOT
To guess this one, you’ll have to think of someone whose heart races at the idea of an interview or someone who gets overwhelmed by the idea of showing up to do this at all. It can be tied to burnout or rough experiences. What are these people afraid of, specifically? Keep reading and find all the answers!
Fear of money
Image: Alexander Mils
Plutophobia is the fear of money or wealth. The idea of financial responsibility or becoming a target for theft can spark strong anxiety. The name connects to Plutus, the Greek god associated with riches. Believe it or not, this is a real thing!
Fear of the color yellow
Image: Soroush Karimi
Xanthophobia is the fear of yellow and anything that carries this color. The term traces back to the Greek word "xanthos," meaning yellow. Because the color is everywhere, daily life can become tricky for someone dealing with this phobia.
Fear of bathing
Image: Vincent van Zalinge
Ablutophobia is the fear of bathing or washing. The term comes from the Latin root "abluto," which is tied to cleaning. Past trauma or anxiety about water often plays a role, making simple daily routines feel overwhelming.
Fear of balloons
Image: Al Soot
Globophobia is the fear of balloons. The word fits its round shape and often stems from a bad memory involving a loud pop. It sometimes appears alongside a fear of clowns because the two tend to show up together at events.
Fear of work
Image: charlesdeluvio
Ergophobia is the fear of work or workplaces. The name comes from the Greek word "ergon," meaning work. It can grow from burnout, tough job experiences, or other fears that cluster around employment. Have you ever experienced it?
