I know you've said that before! I have. Too many times to count. Now I have the perfect website for you:
25 Handy Words That Simply Don't Exist In English
English is the king mutt of languages with more words than any other and they are from many backgrounds. Check out my post The History of the English Language for a brief explanation of this truth. I used to prove this to my Latin students by comparing the Latin word for large--magnus-- to all the many ways you can say it in English--large, big, huge, gargantuan, etc., etc., etc.
I don't know about you, but I need L’esprit de l’escalier --French for thinking of the perfect comeback long after you need it-- nearly everyday.
And I've experienced Age-otori--Japanese for looking worse after the new haircut--a time or two.
What about you? Which of these words have you needed, but lacked?
Do you know some more I need to know? Please?
Fun list. There's been lots of times when I think there should be a word but I don't remember them anymore. Maybe that's a sign. If I can't remember then we really didn't need the word. :)
ReplyDeleteHa! I think it's my faulty memory more and more. ; )
DeleteExistence is overrated. I make words up all the time. Doesn't everyboddle?
ReplyDeleteLOL! Deborah, I love it!
DeleteI think my favorite might be 'gigil'--it so perfectly captures that 'squee' feeling when I see something adorable.
ReplyDeleteOh that's a cute one, Lara!
DeleteOnce upon a time, I spoke Chinese (I haven't kept it up). There are words or phrases in Chinese that express how I'm feeling or something so much better than English ever will. Funny how that happens.
ReplyDeleteJulia,
DeleteI've wondered about the Mandarian in the SF show Firefly and the movie Serenity. I've heard it's real and is curses. ; )
I love lists like these! Still trying to think of Turkish words to share with you guys...
ReplyDeleteOoooh, please do! I can't wait!
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