Ameneurosis

Cover image for the Ameneurosis word card on the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows

Ameneurosis

n.
the half-forlorn, half-escapist ache of a train whistle howling in the distance at night.

From amen, “so be it” + neurosis, an anxious state + amanuensis, an assistant who helps transcribe newly composed music. A train whistle is the sound of air being forced across a gap, which serves as a poignant reminder of all the gaps in your life. Pronounced “ah-men-nyoo-roh-sis.”

Ecsis

a hand holding a fossil

Punt Kick

Cover image for the Punt Kick word card on the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows

Catoptric Tristesse

Cover image for the Catoptric Tristesse word card on the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows

Skidding

Cover image for the Skidding word card on the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows

Loss Of Backing

Cover image for the Loss Of Backing word card on the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows

Etherness

Cover image for the Etherness word card on the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows