S is for Schadenfreude
S is for Schadenfreude, which, let's be honest, is the best borrow word that we use in English. The word is, of course, from German and literally means 'harm joy', and defines the state of pleasure at someone else's pain, discomfort or humiliation. It's so interesting because it describes something that human beings experience almost involuntarily. You hear something on the news, some despicable person has got their comeuppance (and that's another of my favourite words) and you get a lovely little burst of schadenfreude.
One of my favourite words - it's such a satisfying thing to say.
ReplyDeleteIt always feels so good...
ReplyDeleteFirst time I herd this word it was described by Dennis Miller.
ReplyDeleteIt's a great word which I first read I think in Eric Weiner's brilliant The Geography of Bliss, but not one that I have managed to slip into conversation...not yet anyway.
ReplyDeletehttps://dacairns.com.au/blog/f/a-to-z-blogging-challenge-s