Learned a new, terrifying word today

So, clicking through new dA pictures, came across a very disturbing word of a phobia (and even more unnerving visual depiction of such fear).

Omphalophobia​

Never really understanding the image until I read the definition but this is a fear of bellybuttons. Who could be afraid of such ke-yewwwtte, vulnerable, enticing, delicious looking little divots on every one's middle. Or perhaps protrusions, a rarer delicacy deserving of further nom nom attention, in my humble view.

Wondering if anyone else knows of such an esoteric word (and no, I'm NOT asking you to rub your nose in it, brad! ) and views on such a phobia.
I mean, I understand an avoidance to say, excess lint or debris in a navel. Smell can vary on the scent and preferences of the individual... but a complete fear of such little scars, marking our life in the womb? Would such people be afraid of any scar they see? Acquire?

I suppose one can develop a phobia about any part of the body if you have been injured there.

I just ran across podophobia which means fear of feet.

Well, I guess I have a new antonym for myself "Omphalophobic"

I'm a little confused though, is it a fear of them or just a strong aversion to them? I suppose the fear is irrational by definition but I can't really see someone being genuinely fearful of a belly button, would be be afraid of your own?

sadi said:

Omphalophobia

Click to expand...

Either I have mild dyslexia or I'm too hasty to interpret new words, but when I saw this I immediately thought oompaloompaphobia, a word which believe it or not is attested.


Guessing it's akin to coulrophobia, the fear of clowns, but fortunately it's one of the few phobias I don't suffer from. And definitely not omphalophobia; au contraire, give me a tender ticklish female navel and I'll proudly identify as an omphalophile (and pronounce the term with all the enthusiastic aspiration it deserves).