“Creates beautiful new words that we need but do not yet have.”

— John Green, author of The Fault in Our Stars

The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows is a compendium of invented words written by John Koenig. Each original definition aims to fill a hole in the language—to give a name to emotions we all might experience but don’t yet have a word for.

All words in this dictionary are new. They were not necessarily intended to be used in conversation, but to exist for their own sake; to give a semblance of order to a dark continent, so you can settle it yourself on your own terms, without feeling too lost—safe in the knowledge that we’re all lost.

▸ Email obscuresorrows@gmail.com with questions and comments.

▸ Visit the Facebook page for etymologies and discussion.

▸ Follow on Twitter.

The Book - Coming Soon from Simon & Schuster!

We don't have a release date yet, but I'll update this page as soon as I know. In the meantime, feel free to write me directly and describe an emotion you need a word for:

▸ author’s email | facebook messenger | tumblr ask

The YouTube Series

Written, edited, coined and narrated by John Koenig.

▸ Watch on YouTube

The Author

John Koenig is a video editor, public speaker, and narrator from Minnesota, who lives in Amsterdam with his wife. His work has been acclaimed by New York Magazine, The Washington Post, The Huffington Post, and the guys from Radiolab.

For permissions, inquiries and media requests:

▸ Email the author at obscuresorrows@gmail.com.

Copyright © John Koenig 2009-2018. All content is intended to be read at night.