May27 bitten or just born this way? Posted on May 27, 2014 by Paula Josa-Jones Word of the day tarantism TAR-uhn-tiz-uhm , noun; 1. a mania characterized by an uncontrollable impulse to dance, especially as prevalent in southern Italy from the 15th to the 17th century, popularly attributed to the bite of the tarantula. SHARE & EMAIL SUBSCRIBE HERE to receive the Free Daily Post. Comment on Google+