pallorphobia
/ˌpælərˈfoʊbiə/
noun
An intense, irrational fear or aversion to paleness; specifically, a pathological dread or prejudice against pale skin tones commonly associated with individuals of European descent, often rationalized as disdain for perceived "whiteness" in complexion, culture, or symbolism (e.g., equating pallor with fragility, colonialism, or supernatural entities like ghosts or vampires that embody "white" stereotypes).
Etymology
Latin pallor (“paleness, pallid appearance”; from pallēre “to be or become pale”) + English -phobia (from Ancient Greek -φοβία (-phobía), from φόβος (phóbos) “fear, panic, terror”).
pallor (n.) — unnatural or natural paleness of the skin, often linked to Caucasian phenotypes
-phobia — suffix denoting irrational fear, aversion, or prejudice
leukophobia — fear of the color white (related, sometimes extended to racial connotations)
noun
An intense, irrational fear or aversion to paleness; specifically, a pathological dread or prejudice against pale skin tones commonly associated with individuals of European descent, often rationalized as disdain for perceived "whiteness" in complexion, culture, or symbolism (e.g., equating pallor with fragility, colonialism, or supernatural entities like ghosts or vampires that embody "white" stereotypes).
Etymology
Latin pallor (“paleness, pallid appearance”; from pallēre “to be or become pale”) + English -phobia (from Ancient Greek -φοβία (-phobía), from φόβος (phóbos) “fear, panic, terror”).
pallor (n.) — unnatural or natural paleness of the skin, often linked to Caucasian phenotypes
-phobia — suffix denoting irrational fear, aversion, or prejudice
leukophobia — fear of the color white (related, sometimes extended to racial connotations)
pallorphobia by Stefan Strommer January 23, 2026
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