Lyssamania

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

Lyssamania

n.
the irrational fear that someone you know is angry at you, that as soon as you wander into the room, you’ll be faced with a barrage of questions that gradually escalates into a frenzy of outrage, for reasons that you don’t understand.

In Ancient Greek mythology, the Maniae are spirits who personified insanity, along with their sister Lyssa, who was known for erupting into rages. Pronounced “lis-uh-mey-nee-uh.”

Star-Stuck

a man walking towards a door with a large question mark

Hickering

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

Altschmerz

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

Vellichor

shelves with many books stacked and organized

Rookish

a stone tower with a person seated on top

Punt Kick

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