by abcdefghijklmnopqr on April 26th, 2006

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Why does the sound of fingernails scratching a blackboard make people cringe?

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  • by HideousTroll on May 2nd, 2006

    HideousTroll

    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.

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  • by Alatea on May 2nd, 2006

    Alatea

    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

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  • by tripwire on December 2nd, 2006

    tripwire

    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!!

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  • by gonziiii on May 22nd, 2006

    gonziiii

    i wish i knew

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