English is a language that has been shaped by various cultures and languages over time. However, there are still some words that we don't have in English, but we really should. These words can help us express ourselves better and communicate more effectively. Here are some of the words that we should have in English:
1. Hygge
Hygge is a Danish word that describes a feeling of coziness and contentment. It's the feeling you get when you're cuddled up on the couch with a good book and a cup of tea on a rainy day. This word is important because it reminds us to slow down and appreciate the simple things in life.
2. Schadenfreude
Schadenfreude is a German word that describes the feeling of pleasure derived from the misfortune of others. While this may seem like a negative word, it's important because it helps us acknowledge our darker emotions and reminds us to be empathetic towards others.
3. Saudade
Saudade is a Portuguese word that describes a feeling of longing or nostalgia for something that may never come back. This word is important because it helps us acknowledge and process our feelings of loss and grief.
4. Tsundoku
Tsundoku is a Japanese word that describes the habit of buying and collecting books but never reading them. This word is important because it helps us acknowledge our love for books and reminds us to make time for the things we enjoy.
5. Mamihlapinatapai
Mamihlapinatapai is a Yagan word from Tierra del Fuego that describes a moment of shared understanding between two people who are both hesitant to initiate something. This word is important because it helps us acknowledge and appreciate the complexities of human interaction.
6. L'appel du vide
L'appel du vide is a French phrase that describes the feeling of wanting to jump off a high place. While this may seem like a negative feeling, it's important because it helps us acknowledge and process our darker thoughts and emotions.
7. Kummerspeck
Kummerspeck is a German word that describes the weight gained from emotional overeating. This word is important because it helps us acknowledge and process our emotions in a healthy way.
8. Hiraeth
Hiraeth is a Welsh word that describes a feeling of homesickness or nostalgia for a place that may never have existed. This word is important because it helps us acknowledge and appreciate our cultural heritage and the places that have shaped us.
9. Ubuntu
Ubuntu is a South African word that describes the interconnectedness of all things. This word is important because it reminds us that we are all connected and that our actions have an impact on others.
10. Tartle
Tartle is a Scottish word that describes the hesitation you feel when introducing someone whose name you can't quite remember. This word is important because it helps us acknowledge and laugh at our social faux pas.
11. Sisu
Sisu is a Finnish word that describes the quality of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. This word is important because it reminds us that we are capable of overcoming even the toughest challenges.
12. Jayus
Jayus is an Indonesian word that describes a joke that is so bad it's funny. This word is important because it helps us acknowledge and appreciate the lighter side of life.
13. Lagom
Lagom is a Swedish word that describes the quality of being just right or balanced. This word is important because it reminds us to strive for balance in all aspects of our lives.
14. Uffda
Uffda is a Norwegian word that describes an expression of surprise or dismay. This word is important because it helps us acknowledge and express our emotions in a healthy way.
15. Gökotta
Gökotta is a Swedish word that describes the act of waking up early to go outside and listen to the birds sing. This word is important because it reminds us to take time to appreciate the beauty of nature.
16. Meraki
Meraki is a Greek word that describes the quality of doing something with soul, creativity, or love. This word is important because it reminds us to put passion and meaning into everything we do.
17. Ikigai
Ikigai is a Japanese word that describes the reason for being or the thing that makes life worth living. This word is important because it reminds us to find purpose and meaning in our lives.
18. Waldeinsamkeit
Waldeinsamkeit is a German word that describes the feeling of being alone in the woods. This word is important because it helps us appreciate the beauty of solitude and the peace that can come from being alone in nature.
19. Zhuzh
Zhuzh is a Yiddish word that describes the act of making something more attractive or appealing. This word is important because it reminds us to take pride in our appearance and surroundings.
20. Googleganger
Googleganger is an English word that describes a person with your name who shows up when you Google yourself. This word is important because it helps us laugh at ourselves and the absurdities of modern technology.