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Anatidaephobia is the term for the fear of being watched by ducks, geese, or swans. It comes from the scientific name for the bird family that includes these waterfowl (Anatidae) and the Greek word for fear (phobos).

While the term itself is believed to be a humorous invention from a comic strip, it does reflect a real anxiety some people experience with birds. A true phobia would involve intense and irrational fear that disrupts daily life, rather than just a general dislike.

Here's a breakdown of anatidaephobia:

Origin: Likely coined by cartoonist Gary Larson in a comic strip depicting a man being watched by a duck.
Meaning: Fear of being watched by ducks, geese, or swans.
Classification: Not a clinically recognized phobia, but relates to the broader category of ornithophobia (fear of birds).
So, while you might not be diagnosed with anatidaephobia, a fear of ducks can be very real for some people.