10 adorable words that don't exist in English - but should

10 adorable words that don't exist in English - but should

There are few nations as concerned with social decency as the British. We can have entire conversations consisting only of the word “sorry,” we express our anger by apologizing, and when we are truly angry we do such radical things as refusing to offer tea.

Our inability to cope with difficult social situations is perfectly summed up in this delightful anecdote from Douglas Adams, author of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

English is a rich and diverse language, but unfortunately in some situations it leaves us wanting. Here we describe 10 foreign words that do not exist in English, each of which perfectly describes a very real situation.

1. Tart

Language: Scottish

Hesitation to introduce someone because you've forgotten their name.

2. Esprit de l'escalier

Language: French

alt="Words that don't exist in English: stairs">Dreamtime

Espirit de l’escalier means thinking of a witty answer too late, literally on the way down the stairs. This delightful term comes from the French philosopher Denis Diderot. During a dinner at the house of the statesman Jacques Necker, a remark was made to Diderot that left him speechless at the time. He later explained: "A sensitive man like myself, overwhelmed by the arguments brought against him, becomes confused and can only think clearly again [when he reaches] at the bottom of the stairs."

3. Akihi

Language: Hawaiian

You mustered up the courage to ask a stranger for directions. They are helpful and friendly and meticulously guide you through a series of signs, turns and points of interest. You listen carefully, nodding, confident that you have memorized the instructions. As soon as you turn around, you forget everything. This is Akihi.

4. Arigata meiwaku

Language: Japanese

This is used to refer to “misguided kindness.” It describes a situation in which someone does you a favor that you don't want and are trying to prevent. You keep going despite your objections, things go wrong and cause you a lot of trouble, but you still have to say thank you because it's polite.

5. Iktsuarpok

Language: Inuit

alt="Words that don't exist in English: igloo">Dreamtime

This describes the feeling of anticipation that makes you want to go outside and check if anyone is coming. It's an Inuit word that makes you wonder what's more poignant: a lone figure waiting in a wintry wilderness or a 30-something woman waiting in a tiny London apartment...

6. Jayus

Language: Indonesian

A joke so poorly told and so unfunny that you can't help but laugh. (We've all been through this.)

7. Alter-otori

Language: Japanese

alt="Words that don't exist in English: Haircut">Dreamtime

Age-otori describes the phenomenon of looking worse after a haircut. It probably happens to the Japanese quite often since they have a word for it. You have to wonder if the Japanese react the same way the Brits do, which is to smile delightedly, declare it perfect and leave a big tip to cover up the fact that they hate it.

8. Extra wish

Language: German

If any nation should have a rich lexicon for describing efficiency, it must surely be the Germans. Extra desire describes someone who slows things down by being fussy. It refers to an additional requirement, usually of minimal benefit, that turns a simple task into an unnecessarily complicated one.

9. Honne AND Tatemae

Language: Japanese

This describes the contrast between what you really think (honne) and what you pretend to think (tatemae). In Japanese culture, it is widely accepted that one should keep private thoughts secret in order to fit in with society.

Of course, it's not a completely foreign concept in the UK: just ask anyone what they think about James Blunt and watch them lie.

10. Pancake face

Language: German

This roughly translates to a face that needs a fist. While we at Atlas & Boots headquarters do not condone violence, we recognize the usefulness of this word.

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Very British Problems by Rob Temple is a hilarious look into the British psyche.

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