liberosis

English

Etymology

Coined by American author and neologist John Koenig, creator of The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows, from Italian libero (“free”) and the modern English suffix -osis, referencing the libero position in volleyball and its ability to "move at greater liberty than other players."

Noun

liberosis (uncountable)

1. (neologism, rare) The longing to feel a blissful childlike state of indifference and to experience life's joys without being burdened by its cares.
   • 2015, Johnny Close, Eco-Lonely, page 163:

     I was cursed with liberosis, the desire to care less about everything. I am a skid mark on the lingerie of life; the only concern for its presence is to vanish.

   • 2015, Gustaf Vonsheilds, Palm Springs Whispers, page 56:

     “Any excuse to have a libation in this heat and indulge in the liberosis,” Francesca said joyfully.

   • 2023, Jana Louise Smit, How to Kill an Earworm: And 500+ Other Psychology Facts You Need to Know, page 146:

     Adults experience liberosis when life's worries make them miss the carefree days of their childhood.

   • For more quotations using this term, see Citations:liberosis.