PsychologyAugust 30, 2026

gelotophobe

JEL-uh-tuh-fohb

Definition

A person who experiences an intense and debilitating fear or extreme sensitivity to being the object of laughter or ridicule.

Etymology

The word is derived from the Greek 'gelōs' (laughter) combined with 'phobos' (fear). It was coined in psychological research to classify individuals with an pathological aversion to being laughed at.

In the news

In the article, the term describes individuals who perceive laughter directed at them as a malicious indicator of their own inadequacy, which can lead to social isolation and poor psychological outcomes.

Should we laugh more at ourselves? It's complicated

Read the full article ↗

BBC

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