Pucker factor

Pucker factor is a military slang phrase used to describe the level of stress and/or adrenaline response to danger or a crisis situation. The term refers to the tightening of the sphincter caused by extreme fear. The term applies only to an individual's response in a crisis situation;^[1] and not to stress levels outside of a crisis context.

Persons with low pucker factors may make decisions "like a robot" without considering ethics or the long-term consequences of their actions. Conversely, if pucker factor is excessive, then the person "puckers" – leading to panic, wherein the person is unable to think clearly and act effectively.^[2]

See also

• Stress
• Fear
• Panic
• Anxiety

References

1. "Pucker Factor | Definition of Pucker Factor by Oxford Dictionary on Lexico.com also meaning of Pucker Factor". Lexico Dictionaries | English. Archived from the original on June 11, 2022. Retrieved 2020-08-26.
2. Safire, William (1988-07-07). "Opinion | ESSAY; The Pucker Factor". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-06-15.