Catoptric Tristesse

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Catoptric Tristesse

n.
the sadness that you’ll never really know what other people think of you, whether good, bad, or if at all—that although you can gather a few hints here and there, and even ask around for honest feedback, you’ll always have to wonder which opinions are being softened out of flattery, sharpened out of malice, or held back because it’s simply not their place.

In Ancient Rome, the catoptric cistula was a kind of mirror-lined box whose interior appeared to expand into an infinite forest, library, or treasure room. Pronounced “kuh-top-trik tris-tes.”

Ludiosis

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Siso

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

Heartmoor

a campfire with a kettle many small logs

Poggled

a person studying a book with a magnifying glass

Fygophobia

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Mimeomia

a person wearing an animal onesie garment

Nyctous

a person walking in the middle of a street

Anthrodynia

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Anechosis

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Routwash

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Hemeisis

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Anaphasia

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Kenaway

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Pax Latrina

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Ledsome

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Holiette

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Tillid

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Mal De Coucou

a blurry image of several men

The Giltwrights

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Lyssamania

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Emorries

a magnifying glass over photos and books

Wytai

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Soufrise

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Mogging Folly

a person sitting on a bench

Heartworm

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Blinkback

a wall full of pictures and objects

Hem-Jawed

an abstract image of someone touching their face