Kosmemophobia

Kosmemophobia is an intense and persistent aversion or discomfort toward jewelry (hereafter J*). It can appear at the sight, touch, or use of it and, in more pronounced cases, lead to the avoidance of people or places where J* is present. The term comes from the Greek κόσμημα (kósmēma), the word for J*, and φόβος (phóbos, “fear”).

How I would describe kosmemophobia to someone unfamiliar with it

This is not fear in the sense of acrophobia or fear that something bad will happen. For some people, the dominant reaction is intense disgust. It can manifest as:

• avoiding contact with J* and being unable to wear it;
• aversion or discomfort when interacting with someone wearing J*;
• nausea or an urge to vomit after unexpected contact with J*.

The reaction can be triggered both by visual contact and by tactile contact (contact with the skin). Its intensity and the way it manifests vary from person to person; kosmemophobia is experienced on a spectrum.

Beyond J*, kosmemophobia can extend to other objects, such as:

• keyrings;
• small decorative objects hanging in:
  • indoor spaces;
  • car mirrors;
  • mobile phones;
  • bags;
• more generally, small decorative objects resembling J* that are placed on other objects or surfaces.

The aversion can also be triggered by hearing or reading words that refer to J*.

Online resources

• r/kosmemophobia — discussions of the subject and results of a related survey among community members.