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.”

On Tenderhooks

Cover image for the On Tenderhooks word card on the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows

Watashiato

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

Los Vidados

Cover image for the Los Vidados word card on the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows

Keep

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

Solla, Solla, Solla

a hand reaching out for plant tendril

Aimonomia

close-up of a plant with lights glowing in background