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.”

Caucic

a close-up of a stone walking path

Daguerreologue

Daguer-reologue

a man sitting in blurred silhouette at a desk

Insoucism

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Dolonia

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Mauerbauertraurigkeit

Mauerbauer-traurigkeit

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Nilous

a person standing at a bus terminal

Funkenzwangsvorstellung

Funkenzwang-svorstellung

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

Anechosis

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Tillid

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

Suerza

a tunnel with a light emanating from the end

Volander

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

Evertheless

a person floating in water