The five most frightening words in the English Language

"Dictionary" by indy42 of deviantART

What are the five most frightening words ever strung together in a sentence?  An actor friend of mine maintains his five pop up when he is reading a script, learning his part, and sees: “They fight, he is killed.” in the staging notes concerning his character.

What about for you?

I find it fascinating: when you think about it, the dreaded messages, the things we never want to hear; those that send us into the realm of lumpy throats, sweaty palms, and ringing ears are simple, short phrases.  Five words, and sometimes fewer still.

There are the classics:  “Try not to panic, but. . .” and, “Everything is fine, I promise!”.

Let’s not forget, “This may hurt a little.”

There is the emotional cannon ball to the stomach:  “I loved you.  I did.”

And of course, there is the entire cannon through the stomach, and brain, and ears:  “Your test came back positive.”

There is the wake up call. . .  “This position has been filled.”

There is the instant confusion button:  “Oh my God, you’re bleeding.”

The sudden self consciousness button: “There’s something in your teeth.”

There are the late night, edge-of-sleep worry triggers:  “Why do I smell smoke?” and “Did you hear that noise?”

What are the five most frightening words in the English language for you?  For me, at this moment, my five are these five. . .

“This drug has been discontinued.”

©  Jeffrey Puukka, 2010