Momophobia

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

Momophobia

n.
the fear of speaking off the cuff or from the heart; the terror of saying the wrong thing and having to watch someone’s smile fade as they realize you’re not who they thought you were.

Ancient Greek μῶμος (momos), blemish, disgrace + -φοβία (-phobía), fear. Momus was the Ancient Greek god of mockery and harsh criticism. Pronounced “moh-muh-foh-bee-uh.”

Galagog

a person alone in a snowy desolate landscape

Insoucism

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

Idlewild

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

Arroia

people standing on a stage

Backmasking

a woman's face with a double exposure

Aftersome

rows of opaque and clear marbles