What Is the Fear of Clowns Known As? The Surprising Truth
The official name: coulrophobia
Let’s get straight to it — the fear of clowns is called coulrophobia. Yeah, it’s a weird word, and nope, it’s not rooted in Latin (like many phobia names). It actually comes from the Greek word kôlobathristēs, meaning "one who walks on stilts."
Not exactly your typical circus clown... but hey, close enough.
What’s funny (or creepy?) is that the term "coulrophobia" isn’t technically recognized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Still, it's a widely used term both in psychology and pop culture — because, let’s be honest, a LOT of people are creeped out by clowns.
Why are clowns so scary to some people?
The uncanny valley effect
One reason clowns are terrifying is that they’re almost human… but not quite. Their painted-on smiles, exaggerated features, and frozen expressions fall straight into what psychologists call the uncanny valley — that eerie zone where something is close to human, but just “off” enough to freak you out.
Ever seen a clown laugh with wide, unblinking eyes? Yeah. That.
Childhood experiences and media influence
It often starts young. A bad birthday party. A weird street performer. And then boom — along comes Pennywise from It, or that creepy clown doll in Poltergeist. Horror films have definitely not helped the clown image.
Actually, studies show that media portrayals of clowns as evil or dangerous have strongly contributed to the rise of coulrophobia — especially since the 1980s.
I mean, if your first memory of a clown was one crawling out of a sewer drain... yeah, you’d be scared too.
How common is the fear of clowns?
Surprisingly common. According to a 2023 study from the University of South Wales, over 50% of respondents reported some level of unease around clowns. And about 5-7% said they had a strong fear — which would qualify as an actual phobia.
That’s a lot, considering clowns are supposed to be funny.
Is it more common in kids or adults?
Definitely more common in children, but many adults never grow out of it. In some cases, the fear can even get worse over time, especially if it's tied to anxiety or trauma.
Not gonna lie — I still get chills when I see one at night. (True story: once saw a guy dressed as a clown walking alone at 3am. No thanks.)
Symptoms of coulrophobia
So how do you know if it’s a mild dislike or full-on phobia?
Common signs include:
Rapid heartbeat or sweating when seeing a clown
Feeling nauseous or dizzy
Avoiding parties, circuses, or even commercials featuring clowns
Panic attacks or crying (especially in kids)
If just seeing a clown in a movie trailer makes you jump or leave the room — you’re not alone.
Can coulrophobia be treated?
Yes, like most phobias
Coulrophobia is treatable, especially if it seriously affects someone’s daily life. Options include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Gradual exposure therapy (sounds brutal, but it works)
Relaxation techniques to manage panic
For milder cases, just understanding the root cause and talking about it can help lessen the fear.
Final thoughts: it's okay to fear clowns
So now you know: the fear of clowns is coulrophobia, and it’s a real, legit thing — even if it’s not always taken seriously.
Whether it's the painted-on grin, the oversized shoes, or that laugh that’s just a little too happy... clowns hit a nerve for many people.
And hey — if you’re one of them, you're in good company. Just… maybe skip the circus.
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Is 172 cm good for a man?
Yes it is. Average height of male in India is 166.3 cm (i.e. 5 ft 5.5 inches) while for female it is 152.6 cm (i.e. 5 ft) approximately. So, as far as your question is concerned, aforesaid height is above average in both cases.
Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?
The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.
Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?
How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).
How tall is a average 15 year old?
Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years
| Male Teens: 13 - 20 Years) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 14 Years | 112.0 lb. (50.8 kg) | 64.5" (163.8 cm) |
| 15 Years | 123.5 lb. (56.02 kg) | 67.0" (170.1 cm) |
| 16 Years | 134.0 lb. (60.78 kg) | 68.3" (173.4 cm) |
| 17 Years | 142.0 lb. (64.41 kg) | 69.0" (175.2 cm) |
How to get taller at 18?
Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.
Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?
Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).
Can you grow between 16 and 18?
Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.
Can you grow 1 cm after 17?
Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.