What does "anal" mean?

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Don't tell me that it's short for "anally retentive", I know that... but what exactly does it mean when someone describes you that way?

For example, since I began collecting music, my records, tapes and CDs have all been kept in strict alphabetical order and I get very agitated if someone interferes with that system. To me it is logical and efficient as I always know exactly where to find what I want. But several times during my teenage years and early adulthood, I was described as being "anal" for doing this.

Later I have been reassured that it is not anal, but a typical Aspie trait. But what exactly do they mean by "anal" when all I can see is pure logic.

You should take a look at this URL: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anally_retentive

For short, it means someone is overly focussed on details. It's usually used to describe annoyance with a person.

I guess lots of aspie traits would fit into that category, but unlike anally retentive NT counterparts, we have an excuse.

It's also a plus or it can be in work fields that need attention to detail.
I used it in Archaeology. Others minds would be wondering and I was still into it.
It was also an obsession, great when you can combine the two.

In simple terms, it means "emotionally constipated." It could also mean adhering to certain behaviors that seem obsessive or pendatic, or both, to others.

Actually one theory of what causes OCD is when a mother over regulates her infant child's potty times. The mother will overly nag the child to see if and when they went to the bathroom. Then she'll ask what color the stool as an example. So the word anal is very fitting for those with OCD.

My sister said I was a bit anal because I kept lemon squashing my escort. I know what she ment, I thought it was her own language.

It's just another term that NTs use to vilify those who unknowingly have AS.


"Anal" - of the anus.
"Aspergers" - burger made of butt.

Coincidence? I wonder...

'Anal' = Pedantic