schadenfreude [ SHAW-den-froy-duh] -- (n.) taking malicious satisfaction in another person's troubles or suffering; epikhairekakia
The Book of Proverbs mentions an emotion similar to that now described by the word schadenfreude: "Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him" (Proverbs 24:17-18).
Sometimes capitalized, schadenfreude is a compound of two German words: schaden (damage) and freude (joy). Although this word was in use in the German language early in the 19th century, its first appearance in English is thought to be 1895.
As I noted today, German words can get to be very long, since many of them are compound nouns. We see this, for example, in "The Spectre Bride" with Starkenfaust (strong fist) and Katzenellenbogen (cat elbow). Ah, but these are just puny words, compared to some German compound nouns, such as:
Parkzeitüberschreitung:
expired parking meter
Berufungsgerichtsverfahren:
court of appeal procedure
Lehrgangsteilnahmebestaetigung:
training course participation confirmation
Supermarkteinkaufstütenbeschriftung:
Supermarket purchase bag inscription
Thise are some crazily long words. How does one use them when they are in a sentance. One word would take up half the page.
ReplyDeletesay what????
ReplyDeleteWow, what amazing words. I want to learn German.
ReplyDeleteThe english word for Schadenfreude would be sadistic, wouldn't it?
ReplyDeleteNow...this may seem rather random, but I want to know if anyone can explain to me the meaning of the phrase, "The Happiest Saddist". This phrase has been perplexing to me for the last few years, and though I have some vague idea of what I think it is, I was wondering if anybody else has any thoughts on it.
The word "schadenfreude" has long been incorporated into the English language, even though its origin is German. The word "sadistic" is quite a bit different and not really a true synonym for "schadenfreude." Whereas "schadenfreude" is taking pleasure in another's suffering, "sadistic" is taking pleasure from inflicting pain or emotional abuse on others.
ReplyDeleteWow! Talk about long words!
ReplyDeleteAhh...I see. I'm still looking for a way to get schadenfreude into daily conversation however.
ReplyDelete