Irrition

a close up of a dandelion

Irrition

n.
regret at having cracked the code of something, which leaves you wishing you could forget the pattern—longing to unsee an optical illusion, to unlearn the formula behind your favorite songs and shows and movies, or re-canonize a role model you made the mistake of meeting in person.

Tahitian iriti, to translate + iriti, to be convulsed. Pronounced “ih-ri-shun.”

Mornden

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

Malotype

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

Mottleheaded

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

Anchorage

a person's arm extended over river rapids

Heartmoor

a campfire with a kettle many small logs

Ghough

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