Ubuntu

[zerodan]

Interesting words that don't have a direct English analogue.  Guess which one's my favorite. 

Kummerspeck (Germany): "Grief bacon" - the weight that you gain by overeating when you’re worried about something. 
Attaccabottoni (Italy): A "buttonholer" - someone who corners casual acquaintances or even complete strangers for the purpose of telling them their miserable life stories. 
Modré Pondeli (Czech): "Blue Monday" - When you skip coming in to work to give yourself a three-day weekend. 
Razbliuto (Russia): The feeling you have for a person you used to love, but don’t anymore. 
Shitta (Iran): Leftover dinner that’s eaten for breakfast. 
Tartle (Scotland): To momentarily forget the name of the person you’re talking to. The word helps reduce the social embarrassment of such situations: "I’m sorry, I tartled there for a moment." 
Pana po’o (Hawaii): To scratch your head in an attempt to remember something you’ve forgotten. 
Ngaobera (Easter Island): A sore throat caused by too much screaming. 
Backpfeifengesicht (Germany): A face that’s just begging for somebody to put their fist in it. 
Papierkrieg (Germany): "Paper war" - bureaucratic paperwork whose only purpose is to block you from getting the refund, insurance payment, or other benefit that you have coming. 
Rujuk (Indonesia): To remarry your ex-wife. 
Mokita (New Guinea): The truth that everyone knows, but no one will speak about. 
Gorrero (Spain, Central America): Someone who never picks up the check. 
Fucha (Poland): Using your employer’s time and resources for your own purposes.

Comments

[blackwell.livejournal.com]

I'm glad that other cultures have a word for a punchable face. I'd hate to think I was the only person who wanted to ram my knuckles into dumb face flesh.

(Note: I have never punched anyone in the face.)

[zerodan.livejournal.com]

Not just punchable... BEGGING for it.

[zerodan.livejournal.com]

I've actually heard that one before, strangely enough.

[baerana.livejournal.com]

I'd guess "Backpfeifengesicht"

I like "Kummerspeck" - that and Mokita

[zerodan.livejournal.com]

Good call. Followed by a close second in Tartle, since I do that quite frequently. (also, it's a fun word to say!)

[triskele.livejournal.com]

mmmm yeah, give me some shitta for breakfast

[haides.livejournal.com]

Much like John Holmes, I fucha every week day!

[zerodan.livejournal.com]

Deliberately, I posted this from work. :D

[luluisme.livejournal.com]

>> Guess which one's my favorite.
Backpfeifengesicht

[dimers.livejournal.com]

I've actually heard "buttonhole" used in pretty much the same way as "Attaccabottoni", especially in reference to parties or gatherings. I just can't figure out where the Italians *or* the Americans came up with it.