Xeno

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

Xeno

n.
the smallest measurable unit of human connection, typically exchanged between passing strangers—a warm smile, a sympathetic nod, a shared laugh about some odd coincidence—moments that are fleeting and random but still contain powerful emotional nutrients that can alleviate the symptoms of feeling alone.

Ancient Greek ξένος (xénos), alien, stranger. Pronounced “zee-noh.”

Pâro

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Insoucism

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The Wends

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Etterath

a graduation cap and gown on a chair

Backmasking

a woman's face with a double exposure

Volander

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