What is the phobia of clowns?

The evil clown archetype plays strongly off the sense of dislike it caused to inherent elements of coulrophobia; however, it has been suggested by Joseph Durwin that the concept of evil clowns has an independent position in popular culture, arguing that "the concept of evil clowns and the widespread hostility it induces is a cultural phenomenon which transcends just the phobia alone". read more

Although most tramp clowns were harmless, a seedy underbelly did exist among the clown circuit. By the 1980s, clown phobia had reached a peak. Rumors of ritual abuse of children were rampant, and clowns figured heavily into many of the stories. read more

As stated above, representations of evil clowns in media is a big contributor for instilling this phobia in young or anxious minded adults. Clowns and court jesters have been around for thousands of years. read more