Mysophilia is a paraphilia where erotic pleasure is derived from filth.[1] Mysophiles may find dirt, soiled underwear, feces, unwashed people, or vomit to be sexually arousing.[2]
People with mysophilia have been known to be aroused by unclean locations, such as an alleyway or a dirty bathroom, and behaviors, such as not bathing for many days at a time.
The protagonist of the novel Wetlands, and the film based on the book, would be considered a mysophiliac, deriving pleasure from not washing and from dirty locations, such as toilets.
Napoleon Bonaparte, while campaigning in 1796, wrote to his wife Joséphine: "Please don't wash, will arrive in three days".[3] This can be interpreted as mysophiliac behaviour if it is assumed this was to ensure her clothes, as well as her person, were soiled.