Most of you probably won’t enjoy a session of gargalesis. It means ‘forceful tickling’. Scientists have been arguing about the function of tickling for at least the last couple of millennia. A few theories to date are that like itching, being ticklish is our built-in defence mechanism against creepy crawlies like spiders and bugs. Those parts are ticklish because they are our most vulnerable areas.
Scientists also believe that being ticklish is learned. It’s a personality-based response to perceived attack. That’s why some people might laugh uncontrollably at the lightest touch, while others won’t budge during an aggressive tickling session.
Source: World Wide Words
