PsychologyJuly 17, 2026
onychophagia
on-i-ko-FAY-jee-uh
Definition
The clinical or formal term for the chronic, compulsive habit of biting one's nails.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek words 'onyx' (nail) and 'phagein' (to eat), this term was adopted into medical terminology to formally describe the practice of nail biting.
In the news
The article uses the term to medically categorize nail biting as a body-focused repetitive behaviour (BFRB) rather than just a simple bad habit. This distinction is crucial as it shifts the focus toward understanding underlying psychological triggers rather than mere behavioral discipline.
Psychology says nail biting is more than a bad habit, and the reason people do it may surprise you
Read the full article ↗The Times of India