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.”

Siso

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

Affogatia

miscellaneous items on a table

Licotic

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

Irrition

a close up of a dandelion

Fitching

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

Lisolia

a bookcase containing objects