Human desires can be incredibly diverse, and while most people have heard of common fetishes, like a love for feet or lingerie, there are some fetishes out there that are, well, a little more surprising. These unique preferences, called “paraphilias,” can range from quirky to downright strange. Let’s take a look at some of the weirdest, most fascinating fetishes out there and get a better understanding of what they involve.
1. Formicophilia: Getting a Thrill from Insects Crawling on Skin
One of the most surprising fetishes out there is formicophilia, which involves getting turned on by having insects, like ants or beetles, crawl on the skin. For people with this fetish, the sensation of little creatures moving across their body brings a strange sense of excitement. It’s all about the tickling or prickling feeling, which is super unique and probably can’t be matched by anything else.
While this might sound uncomfortable or even creepy to many people, those who enjoy formicophilia find the sensation of insects crawling on them to be thrilling and out of the ordinary.
2. Objectophilia: Falling in Love with Objects Instead of People
Ever heard of someone falling in love with a bridge or a train station? Well, objectophilia is exactly that—the attraction to inanimate objects. People with objectophilia might feel deep affection, even love, for things like buildings, cars, or machines. They often believe that these objects have personalities or unique energies, and the bond they feel can be very real to them.
Some famous cases include a woman who “married” the Eiffel Tower and another person who has a relationship with their car. While it might sound bizarre, people with objectophilia genuinely feel emotional and romantic attachments to these objects, and in many cases, they even form lifelong “relationships” with them.
3. Claustrophilia: Enjoying Being in Small, Enclosed Spaces
For some people, the idea of being stuck in a small, tight space would be terrifying, but for others, it’s a source of comfort—or even arousal. Claustrophilia is the fetish for being in enclosed spaces. Those with this kink might enjoy being in small closets, boxes, or tightly packed places because it gives them a sense of security or excitement.
It’s thought that the feeling of restriction or the inability to move freely can create a unique mix of sensations that some people find very pleasurable. Claustrophilia is definitely one of the stranger fetishes out there, but it’s more common than you might think!
4. Mechanophilia: The Attraction to Machines
While most people think of cars, airplanes, and robots as just machines, those with mechanophilia see them in a whole different way. Mechanophilia is an attraction to machines—particularly vehicles. People with this fetish often feel a connection or attraction to objects like cars, airplanes, or even washing machines. For them, these machines might have an appeal that goes beyond just admiration, crossing into a more romantic or sensual territory.
Some people with mechanophilia enjoy taking photos or videos with machines, while others even “talk” to them as if they were alive. They appreciate the design, movement, and sounds these machines make, finding them fascinating and attractive.
5. Stigmatophilia: Attraction to Tattoos and Scars
Stigmatophilia is the fetish for body modifications like tattoos, scars, or piercings. People with this fetish might find tattoos incredibly attractive, seeing them as signs of uniqueness or toughness. Scars, too, can be a source of attraction, as they often tell a story or symbolize something meaningful to the person who has them.
Stigmatophilia is fairly common in alternative communities where body modifications are more prevalent. For people with this kink, tattoos, scars, and piercings are more than just skin-deep; they’re marks of individuality and can be incredibly captivating.
6. Dendrophilia: Finding Trees Sexy
Yes, you read that right—dendrophilia is an attraction to trees! While most of us just see trees as part of nature, people with dendrophilia feel a deep connection to them, often seeing them as strong, beautiful, and even sensual. They might be drawn to the texture of the bark, the shape of the branches, or the peaceful feeling that comes from being close to trees.
For some, hugging or touching a tree brings a sense of comfort or pleasure, and they may even feel a strong bond with specific trees. While dendrophilia is quite rare, it’s a unique expression of how people can connect with nature in very personal ways.
7. Vorarephilia: The Fantasy of Being Eaten or Eating Someone
Vorarephilia, often shortened to “vore,” is one of the more unusual fetishes that involves the fantasy of being eaten or eating someone else. Of course, this is purely fantasy—no one is actually trying to consume anyone—but the idea itself creates a thrill. People with this fetish might imagine scenarios where they or their partner are “swallowed” whole, often in a fictional, cartoonish way.
This fetish is usually explored in online communities through art, stories, or role-playing. Vore is definitely one of the more extreme and imaginative fetishes, and for those who enjoy it, it’s all about the power dynamics and the intensity of the fantasy.
8. Abasiophilia: Attraction to People with Mobility Impairments
Abasiophilia is an attraction to people who use mobility aids, like crutches, wheelchairs, or leg braces. For some with this fetish, there’s an appreciation for the strength or resilience of people who live with these impairments. Others find the visual appearance of the mobility aids appealing.
Abasiophilia is one of those fetishes that might seem surprising, but it’s rooted in admiration and appreciation rather than any negative sentiment. People with abasiophilia may feel a deep attraction to those who overcome challenges, and they see beauty in that strength.
9. Autassassinophilia: Being Aroused by the Risk of Danger
Some people experience excitement or thrill when they’re in dangerous situations, and that’s where autassassinophilia comes in. This fetish involves getting turned on by the idea of risk, danger, or even the thought of death. While most people might feel fear in high-risk situations, those with autassassinophilia find the adrenaline rush thrilling.
Common scenarios might include activities like extreme sports or high-stakes adventures where there’s an element of risk. Of course, not everyone with this fetish actually wants to put themselves in real danger, but the idea alone is enough to create a thrill.