- NEW!
Help answer this question below.
Yes, its definately a primeval thing, like how people pay attention to a 'Shhh!' sound - the same sound as a snake, one of ancient man's great enemies. It's so old its part of our instincts.
The danger warning sounds emitted by some of the great apes are of a similar frequency and tone to the sound made by fingernails dragged on a blackboard, so possibly a primal instinct for danger is being stimulated.
People do cringe at the memory of sound. Upon reading this question, my back seized up at the thought of fingernails on a blackboard.
http://www.newscientist.com
Worse than that is putting a wad of tin foil in your mouth and chewing on it! Uuuuaaaarrggghhhh!!! Even the thought of it makes me cringe!!
i wish i knew
What is a case study in psychology?
by Answerbag Staff on January 31st, 2011
| 1 person likes this
What does it mean to opt out of a transaction?
by Answerbag Staff on July 25th, 2010
| 1 person likes this
What is meant by"adaptation"as applied to an adult?
by Answerbag Staff on August 13th, 2010
| 3 people like this
Do you reflect what you get? If folks give you snippy/cheeky are you snippy/cheeky back or do you turn the other cheek and remain polite?
by RosieGHM Jetpacker on February 12th, 2012
| 2 people like this
Mercy or Justice?
by Guilty Bystander 24 hours ago
| 3 people like this
You're reading Why does the sound of fingernails scratching a blackboard make people cringe?
Comments
This be true, girl!
by Beverlyofhills on July 8th, 2006