Tuesday, December 27, 2011

five foreign words

that cannot be translated into an english equivalent.

1. Fremdschamen - German. Noun. Feeling embarrassed on behalf of another who is ignorant that he or she has any reason to feel embarrassed; vicarious embarrassment.
2. Iktsuarpok - Inuit. Noun. A person who goes outside often in anticipation of expected visitors.
3. Pelinti - Buli language of Ghana. Verb. To move/roll hot food around the mouth.
4. Schadenfreude - German. Noun. Satisfaction with, or pleasure from, the misfortunes of others.
5. Tartle - Scottish. Noun. Hesitation in recognizing a person or thing; the panicky pause immediately before introducing or meeting someone whose name you cannot remember.

Friday, December 16, 2011