The aliens looked mostly human, but there were just enough differences that humans felt uncomfortable around them. They got the unofficial nickname ‘Heebie-Jeebies.’
They were unfailingly polite, interested in our culture and technology, and willing to share theirs. But humans who met them were invariably creeped out for reasons they couldn’t properly explain.
Considerable diplomatic effort was placed to hide the term from the visiting aliens. But eventually, their lead envoy asked the human ambassador what the slur meant and he reluctantly explained what it meant.
They smiled, showing too many teeth. “Thank Divinity! We thought it was just us!”

“Space – Messier Galaxy” by Trodel is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Everyday Drabbles © 2025 by Hugh J. O’Donnell is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.

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