This post was inspired by two things: 1) a This American Life “frenemies” show and 2) my learning of the existence of the word l’esprit d’escalier on a similar list. It’s a French word — literally, the spirit of the staircase — for coming up with the perfect comeback a little too late.
These are things I wish there were words for in English/I wish I knew the words for in English.
- People who believe that technology can fix everything
- Those instances when you think you see someone you know…but aren’t quite sure.
- The waves given in those situations, esp. when you kind of wave and then have to retract it
- Someone who is more than an acquaintance, but not quite a friend
- Essay-writing fatigue
- When two people are having conversation but are unaware that they’re both talking about completely different things.
To my delight, there is a place for people to make up words for things there ought to be words for. Ladies and gents, I present to you the Addictionary. It’s pretty hilarious and includes definitions for made-up words like “dramadary.”
(That would be a histrionic camel.)
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