I think I found it!

[duannewalton]

Hi all.
Remember on the previous forum I asked about the phobia word for tickling? Well since gargalisma is the Greek word for tickling, I'd have to say that the name for the fear of tickling is (drumroll,please)... gargalismophobia!
By the way, the fear of being tickled with feathers is pteronophobia. just thought you'd like to know.

Duanne Walton:D

[Haltickling]

As far as I know, the love for tickling is called 'Knislolagnia', the fear of tickling 'Knislophobia'. At least that's what a Scottish university professor (who is one of the few scientists researching tickling) told me.

A pseudo-scientific word often used in literature is the Latin 'vellicare' (mostly transformed into vellication or vellicatrix), which literally means 'to pluck a chicken'
(very similar finger motions, don't you think so?), or in a broader sense 'to make somebody twitch or flinch' (even more apt description).

That's all from the scientific corner for now, folks. Are you interested in more? A while ago, I wrote a 'Tickle Encyclopedia' (76 pages, about 120 catchwords); it is already used in lectures by forementioned professor. I might decide to publish it for a limited reader community.

[duannewalton]

Well, I went to a Greek-English site and typed in tickle and got gargalisma, so that's what I used.
I know I'd like to see your Tickle Encyclopedia.

Duanne Walton

[kiedisluvr3348]

Hey...not to butt in on this ongoing discussion, but if any of you checked out the article Scooby posted under the heading "Scientific studies" it might clear this up.
http://www.amsci.org/amsci/articles/99articles/Harris.html

If you check out this link it lists knismesis as "light tickle" and gargalesis as "heavy tickle", so it's quite possible that the phobias are distinguished that way too. Just thought I'd share

[duannewalton]

Okay. So, since gargalisma is the heavy tickle that produces laughter, then gargalismophobia is the one I'm looking for.
I'm working on another story for TFTA, and that's what I need it for. But it's always good to know it just the same. ;)

Duanne Walton