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hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia

36 letters|/hɪˌpɑːpətoʊˌmɑːnstrəˌsɛskwɪpəˈdeɪliəfoʊbiə/
hardfun

Meaning

The fear of long words. Ironically, the word itself is very long.

Etymology

From hippopoto- (hippopotamus) + monstro- (monstrous) + sesquipedali- (foot-and-a-half long) + phobia (fear).

Usage

This word is often cited as an example of ironic word formation. It was first used in the 1960s.

Pronunciation

/hɪˌpɑːpətoʊˌmɑːnstrəˌsɛskwɪpəˈdeɪliəfoʊbiə/

Tags

funnyironicphobiahumor

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