I hate the letter "S". This feeling of loathing has been with me since I was a child, and I'd be hard pressed to think of a letter that I deem so offensive. From the sharpness of its shape to the way it sounds when uttered, the letter "S" has a particularly negative connotation for me. I remember being in elementary school and raising my hand to answer a question in class only to be met with a teacher's response of 'Ssssssssssss' each and every time. The teacher's sing-song imitation of the letter made it sound like a hissing snake, and it filled me with an intense discomfort.
When I hear this letter pronounced in words, it always sounds more drawn out than other letters. Words like 'suspect', 'suspicious', and 'sinister' carry an ominous tone due to the extended sound of the letter. Even when the word is innocuous, such as 'sunshine' or 'smile', I still can't shake the feeling that something sinister is lurking underneath.
The shape of the letter also adds to my aversion. With its two points that protrude upward, it has an aggressive look, and it's often used as a visual stand-in for things that are dangerous, such as sharp blades and long needles. This association between the letter and danger creates a feeling of uneasiness for me whenever I see it.
To me, the letter "S" carries a weight of negative meaning that no other letter can. Whether I'm hearing it pronounced in words or seeing it written on a page, I can't help but feel an instinctive revulsion towards it. It's been a source of unease for me throughout my life and I hope that one day I'll be able to look at this letter with neutral eyes.