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.”

Enterhood

adults with stern expressions holding a child

Fool’s Guilt

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Rasque

close-up of the shards of a broken vase

Hanker Sore

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Xeno

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

Dolonia

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