Words. They are the foundation for all communication. Even computers use language in a way that is similar to ours. Without words there would be no society, no humanity, and definitely no books.
The only problem is: There’s about 1 bagillion words in existence. How can we keep track of them all? Instead of opening our dictionary to give each word its due, we compiled a short list to stimulate your love of language.
1. Waldeinsamkeit
German – “The feeling of being alone in the woods”
Ex: My reading nook is meant to simulate waldeinsamkeit.
2. Wabi-Sabi
Japanese – “a way of living that emphasizes finding beauty in imperfection, and accepting the natural cycle of growth and decay.”
Ex: Eating pizza and watching Netflix is my way of achieving wabi-sabi.
3. Meraki
Greek – “Doing something with soul, creativity, or love.”
Ex: People love the dancers dance performance because there’s so much Meraki and intrigue.
4. Jayus
From Indonesia, “meaning a joke so poorly told and so unfunny that one cannot help but laugh.”
Ex: Everyday my boyfriend tells me a Jayus; that’s why I love him.
5. Shemomedjamo
Georgian – “I accidentally ate the whole thing.”
Ex: I had to tell Bill that I shemomedjamoed his pizza again.
6. Tartle
Scottish – “The act of hestitating while introducing someone because you’ve forgotten their name.”
Ex: I tried to introduced my wife to my neighbor today but I tartled.
7. Tingo
Pascuense (Easter Island) – “the act of taking objects one desires from the house of a friend by gradually borrowing all of them.”
Ex: I tingoed my neighbors entire bookshelf and he still hasn’t realized it.
8. Sisu
Finnish – “the quality of being a badass. The word is usually equated with the Finnish national character.”
Ex: One day, you will be the sisu you were born to be.
9. Mbuki-Mvuki
Bantu – “to shed one’s clothing spontaneously and dance naked in celebration.”
Ex: I am always finding excuses to mbuki-mvuki.
10. Nunchi
Korean – “the subtle art of evaluating others’ moods from their unspoken communications”
Ex: You must understand nunchi when trying to buy a used car.
These words have been contributed by: matadornetwork, stephenliddell, and chroniclebooks! Check them out for even more words to love!