Language: What foreign words are difficult to translate into English. Tone/Attitude Words. Ambiguous Words. Online Etymology Dictionary. Radiolab and NPR Present Words Sheet-for-Emotions.jpg (JPEG Image, 1700x2200 pixels) - Scaled (29%)
Mamihlapinatapai. The word Mamihlapinatapai (sometimes spelled mamihlapinatapei) is derived from the Yaghan language of Tierra del Fuego, listed in The Guinness Book of World Records as the "most succinct word", and is considered[by whom?] One of the hardest words to translate. It allegedly refers to "a look shared by two people, each wishing that the other will offer something that they both desire but are unwilling to suggest or offer themselves.
"[1] A slightly different interpretation of the meaning also exists: "It is that look across the table when two people are sharing an unspoken but private moment. When each knows the other understands and is in agreement with what is being expressed. An expressive and meaningful silence. It is also referenced in Defining the World in a discussion of the difficulties facing Samuel Johnson in trying to arrive at succinct, yet accurate, definitions of words.[5] In popular culture[edit] References[edit] Jump up ^ Peter Matthews, Norris McWhirter. 100 Most beautiful words in the English language*