Wordsmith.org: the magic of words

Wordsmith Talk

About Us | What's New | Search | Site Map | Contact Us  

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
#61286 03/15/02 12:59 PM
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,055
B
old hand
OP Offline
old hand
B
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,055
Don't know whether this is a 'proper' loan word, but then again, we're not too bothered here, huh. This is one of those words that English has no decent translation of, and therefore it fills an empty spot. I'd be happy to hear any better English words to describe it than that which the average Eng-Ger dictionary comes up with - cosiness, snugness, sociability, etc. It might be described in English as the relaxed, casual, and open atmosphere which occurs a some social gatherings, usually involving alcohol. This word is mainly used in southern Germany, often in sentences which refer to Bierfeste like Oktoberfest. At the moment the Starkbier Fest, or Nockerberg as it's known to the Bavarians is on. It claims many a tourist, because the beer is 8-9 %, black and heavy. Tonight I'm going out with some British and American foreigners who are very keen on German beer - so we'll see what happens.


#61287 03/15/02 05:39 PM
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 13,858
W
wwh Offline
Carpal Tunnel
Offline
Carpal Tunnel
W
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 13,858
Dear by: I spent ten minutes trying to think of an English equivalent, but could not do better than "Unanimous Hospitality".


#61288 03/16/02 01:36 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,189
Carpal Tunnel
Offline
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,189
Conviviality [re: convivial] might be closer, by....or, perhaps, even insouciance.

#61289 03/16/02 11:44 AM
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 6,296
W
Carpal Tunnel
Offline
Carpal Tunnel
W
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 6,296
Dear Whit,

Insouciance? What? Are we moving into results of the occasion now? And, if so, couldn't we refer to tsuwm's list of drinking terms. I believe there were many words to describe mental states of the drinking.

Beer regards, Yuck! Can't stand the stuff!
WW


#61290 03/16/02 10:24 PM
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 10,542
Carpal Tunnel
Offline
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 10,542
I too am bemused by the suggestion of insouciance; gemutlich suggests easy-going, good-natured cheerfulness, while insouciance only conjures up carelessness and indifference.


http://home.mn.rr.com/wwftd/

#61291 03/17/02 04:22 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,189
Carpal Tunnel
Offline
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,189
Perhaps I was just insouciantly adding an afterthought there with insoucinace. Stick with conviviality there, by, I think that's the ticket.



Moderated by  Jackie 

Link Copied to Clipboard
Forum Statistics
Forums16
Topics13,913
Posts229,315
Members9,182
Most Online3,341
Dec 9th, 2011
Newest Members
Ineffable, ddrinnan, TRIALNERRA, befuddledmind, KILL_YOUR_SUV
9,182 Registered Users
Who's Online Now
0 members (), 326 guests, and 3 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Top Posters(30 Days)
Top Posters
wwh 13,858
Faldage 13,803
Jackie 11,613
tsuwm 10,542
wofahulicodoc 10,532
LukeJavan8 9,916
AnnaStrophic 6,511
Wordwind 6,296
of troy 5,400
Disclaimer: Wordsmith.org is not responsible for views expressed on this site. Use of this forum is at your own risk and liability - you agree to hold Wordsmith.org and its associates harmless as a condition of using it.

Home | Today's Word | Yesterday's Word | Subscribe | FAQ | Archives | Search | Feedback
Wordsmith Talk | Wordsmith Chat

© 1994-2024 Wordsmith

Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5