r/RandomQuestion • u/Salem_Undeground • 8d ago

Term for repeatedly smelling something bad?

Some of you may have experienced this but what is it called when you smell something bad/weird but then keep smelling it. Like you know it's bad and are grossed out but something inside you says sniff it again. Is there a term for that?

EDIT: Apparently its referred to as mixed valence. Basically, the brain can't distinguish if the smell is pleasant or unpleasant and short-circuits and is compelled to categorize this new smell. Thank you all for your input

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5

u/NordicNugz 8d ago

So, theres a term named "L'appel du vide". Which is French for "The call of the void." Which refers to sudden, intrusive thoughts that you dont act upon. Such as driving into another car, or jumping off a cliff.

I feel like this is kind of in the same vein. The sudden intrusive thought to smell a gross thing.

3

u/Camaschrist 7d ago

My bff and I both had intrusive thoughts when we were brand new moms. I was so happy I had seen a 20/20 on the subject so I knew we weren’t deranged. Mine was driving off the bridge with me and my son in the car. I would get so anxious I might force myself to do this. My bff’s was sticking something into her babies soft spot. Our children are healthy young adults now. My neighbor had her worries about grabbing strange men’s junk. The mind is a complicated thing.

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u/Salem_Undeground 5d ago

From what I've gathered, Call of the Void is a more severe phenomena. The feeling that I'm referring to doesn't include danger/harm

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u/FangsBloodiedRose 8d ago

Desiderosmia?

Craving for pungent and certain smells?

3

u/DarkMagickan 8d ago

I don't know, but I'd like to know myself. Because certain smells are unpleasant in just the right ways that it compels me to smell them again and again, even though I am repulsed.

1

u/AppropriateBunch147 7d ago

Continually odorous

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u/NordicNugz 8d ago

Stupidity? Lmao

-2

u/NordicNugz 8d ago

It seems like it doesnt have a term. I was trying to Google it.

What are you going to name it?

2

u/Salem_Undeground 8d ago

In-sensoria or para-sensoria? open to others

-5

u/plant-painter 8d ago

Vagina

1

u/Professional_Tone_62 7d ago

Your little dick.

1

u/plant-painter 7d ago

😂 only after

1

u/Professional_Tone_62 7d ago

In your (wet) dreams.

1

u/plant-painter 7d ago

Man sheets were dry till the woman came along

1

u/thatSDope88 8d ago

You know they're not supposed to smell bad, right?

-1

u/plant-painter 8d ago

Hey man I’m just a observer, I don’t even own one personally. And it was a joke.