Just for Fun...

The term Mauerbauertraurigkeit appears in The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows.  Mauerbauertraurigkeit refers to the inexplicable urge to push people away, even close friends whose company you generally enjoy—like a poker player who keeps folding a promising hand in order to avoid the pain of losing, or tamp down the urge to go all-in.

It is derived from the German “Mauerbauer”, to denote a wall-builder and “Traurigkeit”, which means sadness.

“Liberosis” is a term that describes the desire to care less about things, and to let go of unnecessary concerns. It can also be described as a longing for liberty, or an ache to loosen one's grip on life. The term was coined by John Koenig and appears in The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows.  

The word liberosis comes from the Italian word libero, and is also used to refer to a volleyball player who is a vital part of the defense in the game. These players can move more freely than others, and can sub in without permission. The term liberosis compares the desire to care less about things to keeping the ball alive in the air and always in play as in the game of volleyball.

Lachesism is a word created by John Koenig, the creator of The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows, which makes up words for emotions that didn't previously exist.

Lachesism is the desire to experience a disaster, such as a plane crash, fire, or earthquake, to start life anew. It's a longing for a revelation that life isn't guaranteed, and that anything can happen.

“Jouska” is a Polish word that refers to a hypothetical conversation that someone compulsively plays out in their head. It can be a cathartic dialogue, a devastating comeback, or a crisp analysis. Jouska can generate emotion, which can lead to a corresponding physical reaction. It can serve as a psychological batting cage where someone can connect more deeply with people than in everyday life.

The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows is a compendium of new words for emotions. Its mission is to shine a light on the fundamental strangeness of being a human being—all the aches, demons, vibes, joys, and urges that are humming in the background of everyday life.

The compiler of the Dictionary is John Koenig a video maker, voice actor, graphic designer, and writer. Born in Idaho and raised in Geneva, Switzerland, he created The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows in 2009, first as a blog before expanding the project to YouTube. He lives in Minneapolis with his wife and daughter.