Friday the 13th: Can you pronounce paraskevidekatriaphobia? Why you should know what this 22-letter word means

Friday the 13th can inspire intense fear in some individuals, even without clear danger. This phobia has a specific name - paraskevidekatriaphobia, derived from Greek words meaning Friday, thirteen, and fear. An alternative term is friggatriskaidekaphobia. Triskaidekaphobia refers to the fear of the number 13 alone. Psychotherapist Donald Dossey helped popularize the term, joking that once someone could pronounce it, they were cured.

The fear may cause anxiety merely thinking about the date, and symptoms can include heart racing, sweating, nausea, dizziness or trouble breathing. Some avoid scheduling important meetings or decisions on this day. Treatment options exist, with exposure therapy being a common approach for specific phobias. This therapy gradually exposes the person to their fear under professional guidance to reduce anxiety and restore normal activities.

While Friday the 13th is considered unlucky by many, research suggests it's no more unlucky than any other day. In 2026, there are three Friday the 13ths, with the last one occurring in November. For those whose fear significantly impacts daily life, seeking help from a mental health professional is recommended.