Did you know that the word “Barbaric” comes from Ancient Greek? “Bar-bar” was what the Greeks thought all foreign people speaking another language sounded like, hence “barbar” in Greece meant “foreigner.” Now you know this xenophobic fact that I learned while trying to better myself in college. God bless.
31. “Erklärungsnot” – German
Literally means “emergency explanation.” Used for when you need to make up a bullshit excuse about why you didn’t finish something on time.
32. “Luftmensch” -Yiddish
A social misfit.
33. “Shouganai” – Japan
Translated roughly to “hey, what can you do?” A thing that can’t be helped.
34. Kuddelmuddel – German
A portmanteau of “dirty laundry” and “mud.” It means chaos. Or clusterfuck.
35. “Yaourt” – France
36. “Backpfeifengesicht” – German
A punchable face. We all have one, really.
37. “Gluggaveður” – Iceland
When the weather looks pleasant while you’re inside, but then you step outside and it’s terrible. Is this the number one feeling cats have?
38. “Estrenar” – Spanish
To wear a piece of clothing for the very first time.
39. “Jayus” – Indonesia
A joke so bad it’s funny. You know, like the ones you tell.
40. Shemomedjam – Georgian
41. Parea – Greek
A group of friends that meets to talk about experiences and philosophy. Like a Salon, but I’m guessing more wine is involved.
42. Cavoli Riscaldati – Italy
Literally “reheated cabbage.” Used to describe a relationship or friendship that is attempting a rekindling.
43. “Cafune” – Brazil
Running your fingers through someone’s hair. Ahhh.
44. “Greng-jai” – Thailand
Wanting to ask for help but not wanting to inconvenience anyone. If only we had a word for this in English, I could have cut the first month of therapy. That part, at least, would be diagnosed.
45. Razbliuto – Russian
46. “Saudade” -Portuguese
A longing or nostalgia for something you never actually experienced. Like how all these Gen Z kids love the mall episodes of Stranger Things even though malls are dead.
47. “Koi No Yokan” – Japanese
The feeling of meeting someone who you know, at some point, you will fall in love with. That’s sweet and scary at the same time.