Ever Wondered Why Clowns Are Creepy?

There's usually an explanation for everything, now there just so happens to be one for why we find clowns scary.

Well, for the past few months there have been several sightings of creepy clowns across, at least, 10 different states in America. (I know it sounds fake, but it really is happening!)

These clowns have reportedly tried to lure people into the wood and have chased people around wielding a variety of weapons. Yikes.

Needless to say, these reported sightings certainly aren't helping folks who have a fear or phobia of clowns.

A researcher from Knox College, Frank McAndrew, has done some further research into why clowns are just down-right creepy.

In his study, he found a few common characteristics about the things we find eerie or unsettling. A total of 1,341 volunteers were recruited for the study and they were asked a series of questions about how they perceive creepiness.

In general, McAndrew found that we tend to consider men more creepy than females, coincidentally, most clowns are male. Unpredictability is also an important factor of creepiness, things like unusual patterns of eye contact and other nonverbal behaviours tend to be red-flags.

When respondents were asked about professions they considered creepy, clowning was amongst the most popular choice.

Canadian Psychologist, Rami Nader, studies coulrophobia which is an irrational fear of clowns. Nader thinks that these phobias are driven by the fact that clowns wear makeup and disguises which hide their true feelings and identities.

McAndrew also says that because clowns are so mischievous, their actions and presence put people on their guard. He notes, "the highly unusual physical characteristics of the clown (the wig, the big red nose, the makeup, the odd clothing) only magnify the uncertainty of what the clown might do next."

Well, hopefully those findings give you a bit of closure?

Photo: ABC.