PsychologySeptember 3, 2026
clammy
KLAM-ee
Definition
Describes skin that is unpleasantly damp, cold, and sticky, often caused by fear, anxiety, or bodily arousal.
Etymology
Originating in the 17th century, the word comes from the noun 'clam,' meaning a sticky or adhesive substance, related to the verb 'clamm,' meaning to clog or stick together.
In the news
The article uses the word to describe the physical sensation of sweaty, sticky hands caused by the sympathetic nervous system's response to suspenseful movie scenes.
Exploring fear and the longing to feel alive through "Fall" and "Fall 2: Deadpoint."
Read the full article ↗Psychology Today