The Wordwalker

I have unnecessarily nuanced takes on words. 100k and counting on IG, starting over on X.

[The Wordwalker @the_wordwalker]

Baudam [bɔː.ɽɐ̃m], from Hindi, colloquially is a lovable idiot.

It's a diagnosis by an elder of a temporary lapse in basic logic by someone they see as a child. Delivered with a sigh rather than actual anger, being called "baudam" is a mandatory, affectionate milestone of youth.

[The Wordwalker @the_wordwalker]

I found myself called out by a Thai word: "greng-jai".

It is the reluctance to accept help because the burden it might place on the other person feels worse than the problem at hand itself.

[The Wordwalker @the_wordwalker]

Found a new morning routine reading Swedish.

Gökotta means to wake at dawn for the sole purpose of going outside to hear the first birds.

[The Wordwalker @the_wordwalker]

Why should you follow me?
- because I talk about untranslatable words. Putting them into English words is exhausting and joyful.
- because I'd appreciate it.

[The Wordwalker @the_wordwalker]

I need you guys to look at this picture of a monk inviting you for some gambling.

[The Wordwalker @the_wordwalker]

It is a terrifying paralysis. Entire lives are lived, and lost, inside that exact silence.

[The Wordwalker @the_wordwalker]

Two people looking at each other, each hoping the other will initiate something they both desire, but neither is willing to begin. The Yaghan language of Tierra del Fuego gave us Mamihlapinatapai. It is often called the world's most untranslatable word.

[The Wordwalker @the_wordwalker]

At its deepest, it is spiritual anguish with no specific cause. We try to medicate it or optimize our way out of it.

We forget that a sudden, causeless melancholy is often just the cost of paying attention.

[The Wordwalker @the_wordwalker]

English is entirely too pragmatic for grief. Vladimir Nabokov defined the Russian Toska as a sick pining, a vague restlessness.

[The Wordwalker @the_wordwalker]

@ThatEricAlper I'm sorry my Prada's at the cleaners, along with my hoodie and my fk you flip-flops.

[The Wordwalker @the_wordwalker]

Can anyone tell me what shuckadoodles means?

[The Wordwalker @the_wordwalker]

@isaturnsthepage Do it.

[The Wordwalker @the_wordwalker]

What is happening

[Bryan Johnson @bryan_johnson]

Just gave Kate oral sex. Goodnight everyone.

[The Wordwalker @the_wordwalker]

Word of the day is 'Tartle' (verb). A wonderful Scottish word for that panicky hesitation when you have to introduce someone, but you’ve momentarily forgotten their name. We've all been there!

[The Wordwalker @the_wordwalker]

@elonmusk @mhdfaran Hey @elonmusk any chance I can buy that domain from you?

[The Wordwalker @the_wordwalker]

Follow for more untranslatable words!

[The Wordwalker @the_wordwalker]

Musalsal is an Urdu word for something unending. It is the repetitive strike of a memory against the ribs. A loop of grief that refuses to break, even in sleep.

[The Wordwalker @the_wordwalker]

Postscript: Yes, this isn’t the real write up, I could never bear leaving it to the English to define love.

[The Wordwalker @the_wordwalker]

This thread is for all of you who wanted me to write on love.

[The Wordwalker @the_wordwalker]

Thanks for reading.
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