rareemotions
Cacoethes
kak-oh-EE-theez
An irresistible urge or compulsion to do something inadvisable or unwise. Often used in the phrase "cacoethes scribendi" (an insatiable urge to write).
February 4, 2026
Word Archive
Explore our collection of 9 fascinating words. From the rare and beautiful to the whacky and wonderful.
Showing 9 of 9 words
rareemotions
Fernweh
FEHRN-vey
A German word meaning an aching desire to travel to distant places; a longing for far-off lands. It's the opposite of homesickness — a "farsickness" or craving to be somewhere you've never been.
February 3, 2026
modernemotional
Sonder
SON-der
The profound realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own—populated with their own ambitions, friends, routines, worries, and inherited craziness.
February 3, 2026
rarehistorical
Defenestration
dee-fen-uh-STRAY-shun
The act of throwing someone or something out of a window.
February 2, 2026
rarebooks
Librocubicularist
LY-broh-kyoo-BIK-yoo-lar-ist
A person who reads in bed. Someone who has the delightful habit of reading books while lying in bed.
February 2, 2026
rarenature
Petrichor
PET-ri-kor
The earthy, pleasant scent produced when rain falls on dry soil, rock, or pavement.
February 1, 2026
beautifulpositive
Serendipity
ser-uhn-DIP-i-tee
The occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way; the faculty of making fortunate discoveries by accident.
February 1, 2026
rarehumor
Fudgel
FUH-jel
To pretend to work while actually doing nothing productive; to give the appearance of being busy while accomplishing nothing.
January 31, 2026
psychologicalemotional
Limerence
LIM-er-ens
A state of intense romantic desire and obsessive thoughts about another person, characterized by an overwhelming need for reciprocation and fear of rejection.
January 31, 2026