pucker factor
Involuntary tensing indicator
Pucker factor is slang for the level of fear or anxiety in a tense situation, originating in military usage.
The image is of the sphincter tightening involuntarily under stress.
A high pucker factor means extreme danger or nervousness: The pucker factor was off the charts when we took enemy fire.
The term has spread to civilian contexts describing any nerve-wracking experience.
- dogfightClose combat between aircraft
- anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
- hostage rescueFreeing people held against will
- tensionStretched or strained state
- stressPressure, mental or vocal
apprehension · nervousness · sweaty palms · combat · dread · white-knuckle ride · edge of seat · adrenaline rush · panic · pressure · tight squeeze · heart-stopping · hold your breath · flinch · fear · tighten · clench · alarm
pucker factorcalm
Free from agitation
composure · relaxation · tranquility · serenity · peace of mind
pucker factorsafety
Freedom from harm
security · comfort zone · smooth sailing · walk in the park · cakewalk
pucker, puckered, puckering, puckers, factor, factors, factorial, factoring, factored