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Untranslatable
Words
Words and phrases that
have no equivalent in English.
1. Cavoli Riscaldati
(Italian)
The attempt to revive a dead love affair. Literally,
'reheated cabbage'. The result of which is usually
unworkable, messy and distasteful.
2. Dohada
(Sanskrit)
Unusual appetites and cravings of pregnant women. Dohada is
a word older than the English language. There is a
scientific basis for dohada: women who want to eat dirt (a
condition called pica) or chalk, are attempting to ingest
essential minerals.
3. Drachenfutter
(German)
A gift brought home from a husband to his wife after he has
stayed out late. Literally, 'dragon fodder'. In decades
past, men went to bars on Saturday night with the wrapped
gifts prepared in advance. Good idea!
4. Esprit De L'Escalier
(French)
The brilliantly witty response to a public insult that comes
in to your mind only after you have left the party.
Literally, 'the spirit of the staircase'. Observes author
Rheingold, 'Sometimes, this feeling about what you ought to
have said at a crucial moment can haunt you for the rest of
your life.'
5. Kyoikumama
(Japanese)
A mother who pushes her children into academic achievement.
A derogatory term that literally means 'education mama'. The
pressure on Japanese students is severe and intense - but
they are hardly the only victims of parental pushing. The
American fad for using flashcards and the like, to create
prodigies, is practiced by father and mothers.
6. Nakhes
(Yiddish)
A mixture of pleasure and pride, particularly the kind that
a parent gets from a child. It is something one relishes, as
in 'May you only get nakhes from your son.'
7. Ondinnonk
(Iroquoian)
This is a noun which describes the soul's innermost desires
- the angelic parts of human nature. Listening to one's
inner instinct to perform a kindly act is to let our
ondinnonk be our guide.
8. Razbliuto
(Russian)
The feeling a person has for someone he once loved but now
does not. In the original Russian it applies to a man, but
has now become applicable for both sexes.
9. Tartle
(Scottish)
To hesitate in recognising a person or thing, as happens
when you are introduced to someone whose name you cannot
recall. The Scots have always been a thick bunch
though.
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