Inat – A Serbian word used to describe committing an act purely for the pur- pose of spite or because it is forbidden. In 1991, Belgrade’s annual fun run drew in record numbers for attendance despite the threat of artillery strikes.
Gigil – A Tagalog word used to describe unbearable cuteness, but also feelings of annoyance. The influence of the Catholic Church on the Philippines has discouraged much of the population from using contraception, resulting in a high birth rate, especially for young mothers.
Saudade – A Portuguese word used to describe nostalgia and the longing for a missed loved one. Portuguese fishermen and explorers would often head out to sea, forced to leave their families without the promise of a safe return.
Chiku – A Chinese word used to describe bearing through a difficult situation (literally translates to “eating the bitterness”). During Mao era, a campaign to eradicate pests took place in hopes of maximizing crop production. The people of China were encouraged to kill sparrows, but this resulted in a predator/prey imbalance which lead to massive crop shortages.
Wabi Sabi – A Japanese word used to describe appreciating the beauty in objects that are considered imperfect or transient. When Hiroshima underwent devastating bombings, the city had to be rebuilt. However, shadows of people at the time of detonation were imprinted into the ground and walls. Some buildings have been preserved as a reminder as well.
Han – A Korean word used to describe feelings of oppression and an unescapable system, making the individual feel trapped. Between 1910 and 1945, Japan had colonized Korea and implemented the adoption of Japanese culture by Korea, forbidding Korean to be spoken or Korean history to be taught at schools.
Kipyatok – A Russian word used to describe the rapid boiling of water. The word is also used to describe a hot-headed person and has roots in Russian hospitali- ty. During the downfall of the soviet union, there were many food shortages, causing households to offer their guests tea or simply hot water served from a samovar as a means of hospitality.
Sprezzatura – An Italian word used to describe calculated nonchalance, or the act of making the effort to present an effortless attitude. In Ancient Rome, Emperor Nero took control of the olympics one year, making sure that he would win every category. In the traditional chariot race, all contestants rode 3 horses while Nero’s chariot held 10. He won the race despite falling off of his vehicle.
Hygge – A Danish word used to describe coziness and the creation of a safe and warm atmosphere. Hygge has also been used by Danish scholars to describe Denmark’s non-confrontational approach to conflicts. In WWII, Denmark allowed Ger- many to occupy their beaches with bunkers so long as they could remain neutral.
Wörter und Sachen
“Wörter und Sachen” explores culturally specific words that do not have a direct translation and contextualizes them imaginatively through histories from their countries of origin.
