English: The Universal Language
"Schadenfreude". A word I always have to look up in the dictionary every time I want to use it.
It's a German word that means "taking pleasure in witnessing Karma at work".
The English language is the most plagiaristic one in the history of mankind. About 90% of the English words are modified versions of words originated by other tongues (mostly European, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern).
And yet it still has to share certain words (and terms) with other languages. Like (for example) "carte blanche", a French word meaning "unlimited choice, entitlement and liberty"
...and there are plenty more examples in our illustrious English language where those come from.
Schadenfreude? Happened to me the other day with a bus driver who's been rude to me and others. A car on fire created a traffic jam. I didn't mind being late because it meant more time to see him swear and pound his fist on the fare box. An enjoyable performance.
ReplyDeleteIs this a transit system that forbids passengers from "using profanity" and "committing physical or verbal abuse toward the operator" by any chance?
DeleteSchadenfreude? Happened to me the other day with a bus driver who's been rude to me and others. A car on fire created a traffic jam. I didn't mind being late because it meant more time to see him swear and pound his fist on the fare box. An enjoyable performance.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy a bit of schaudenfreude, but I feel bad about that. Ha! Rimshot, please!
ReplyDeleteIt's like the employer who fires someone, or the landlord who refuses to rent to someone, because they uncovered an arrest-and-conviction record on said employee/tenant for "Shoplifting" dating back 20+ years ago.
DeleteYou then hope the next time that employer or landlord runs a red light because they were texting and speeding they T-bone a car that had the right-of-way, and afterwards have to endure the humiliation and shame the resulting "Reckless Homicide" charges bring.
It's that shameless borrowing from other languages which has made English a lingua franca.
ReplyDelete