We're happy to present this excerpt from The Date Report [1]. Check out these words that the English language is missing out on when it comes to dating and relationships.
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Sometimes words aren't enough to communicate with the object of your affection — English words, that is. In case you aren't lucky enough to speak 12 languages fluently, we've compiled a love and dating-themed vocabulary list drawn from sources as varied as Tagalog, Dutch, and Inuit. Get over your saudade, indulge in a little cafuné, and you'll be queesting in no time.
1. Mamihlapinatapai (Yaghan, Tierra del Fuego): This term, which holds the Guinness World Record [2] for "most succinct word," means "looking at each other hoping that either will offer to do something which both parties desire but are unwilling to do."
2. Saudade (Portuguese): A melancholic nostalgia for someone or something from the past.
3. Tuqburni (Arabic): The literal translation is "You bury me," referring to a love so deep you can't imagine living life without your partner.
4. Bakku-shan (Japanese): A girl who's only attractive when she's viewed from behind.
5. Forelsket (Norwegian): That intoxicatingly euphoric feeling you experience when you're first falling in love.
6. Cafuné (Portuguese): The act of running your fingers through your lover's hair.
7. Paasa (Tagalog): "A person who leads someone on (intentionally or not). Appearing as if they are genuinely interested romantically when they aren't."
8. Kummerspeck (German): Literally translating to "grief bacon," this delightful word refers to the less-than-delightful excess weight you gain from emotional overeating.
9. Onsra (Boro language of India): That bittersweet feeling of loving for the last time — in other words, that feeling you get when you know a love won't last.
10. Gretchenfrage (German): A question asked for the purpose of finding out someone's real intentions. First dates are overflowing with Gretchenfrages.
11. La douleur exquise (French): The excruciating pain that comes from wanting someone you can't have.
12. Queesting (Dutch): A whole verb dedicated to inviting a lover into your bed for some pillow talk.
13. Oodal (Tamil): The fake-sulking you do after getting into a lovers' tiff, usually over something inconsequential. Also see: crocodile tears [3].
14. Kilig (Tagalog): The stupid-silly rush you feel immediately after something good happens, especially when it comes to love (like after accidentally bumping into your crush.)
15. Cavoli riscaldati (Italian): When you attempt to start up a failed relationship or love affair. Also, literally, 'reheated cabbage.'
To find out what other words made the cut, head to The Date Report: 25 Romantic Words That Don't Exist in English But Should [4]
—Christina Chaey and Molly Fitzpatrick
Check out more great stories from The Date Report:
- Talking About Feelings: 12 Ways to Say "I Like You" (Without Actually Having to Say It) [5]
- Online Dating 101: Don't Let Your Grammar Do the Talking [6]
- What Form of Communication Should You Use to Contact Your Crush? A Flowchart [7]