John Koenig’s “The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows” is a unique compendium that introduces new terms for complex emotions we often experience but lack the words to express. By crafting neologisms, Koenig aims to articulate the nuanced feelings that reside in the human psyche.
For instance, the term “sonder” describes the realization that each passerby has a life as vivid and complex as one’s own. Another example is “lachesism,” which refers to the desire for a disaster to occur, shaking up one’s life.
Koenig’s work underscores the limitations of existing language in capturing the full spectrum of human emotions. By coining these terms, he provides a framework for discussing and understanding feelings that are often overlooked or unnamed.
This endeavor not only enriches our emotional vocabulary but also fosters a deeper connection to the shared human experience, highlighting the intricate and often unspoken aspects of our inner lives.
Unnamed emotions
Here is a brief list of complex and often unnamed emotions you might recognize from your own experiences.
A Collection of Unnamed Emotions You Might Recognize
- Sonder
The realization that every individual you encounter has a complex, unique story you will never fully know or understand. - Hanker Sore
Feeling so drawn to someone’s attractiveness that it stirs frustration—not from hostility or jealousy, but a subconscious reaction to their genetic luck. - Lacheism
A deep, dark impulse to experience tragedy, rooted in a desire for growth or the challenges it brings. - Ellipsism
A longing to understand the future and gain insight into what the world holds. - Mauerbauertraurigkeit
An urge to push others away and build walls when feeling vulnerable or fearing rejection. - Gnossienne
The unsettling realization that you don’t know someone as well as you once believed. - Liberosis
A wistful feeling that you’re not living your life as fully as you could be. - Monachopsis
A subtle, persistent sensation of not belonging, without a clear reason why. - Onism
The bittersweet awareness of how little of the world you will ever truly experience. - Nighthawk
Sleeplessness accompanied by recurring, often intrusive thoughts that visit in the quiet hours of the night. - Catroptic Tritresse
A poignant realization that you can never fully understand how others perceive you. - Jouska
An imaginary conversation that plays out in your mind, replaying potential conflicts, connections, or scenarios.
These are just a few examples of the often unnamed emotions we experience, showcasing the profound complexity and richness of our emotional lives. Reflecting on your own emotions can be an opportunity to acknowledge their multi-layered and intricate nature. By taking the time to name and articulate these feelings, you can deepen your understanding of yourself and your emotional world.