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Other-Wordly: Words Both Strange and Lovely from Around the World
Discover words to surprise, delight, and enamor. Learn terms for the sunlight that filters through the leaves of trees, for dancing awkwardly but with relish, and for the look shared by two people who each wish the other would speak first. Other-Wordly is an irresistible gift for lovers of words and those lost for words alike.
56 pages, Hardcover
First published October 11, 2016
34 people are currently reading
3515 people want to read
About the author
Yee-Lum Mak
1 book11 followersYee-Lum Mak was born and raised in Los Angeles and graduated from USC in 2016 with a major in creative writing and a minor in marketing.
In 2011, she started my blog Other-Wordly. Other-Wordly, my book based on the blog, launched in October 2016 from Chronicle Books and was a New York Times bestseller in the Education category in January 2017.
Her future goals include a career teaching college composition, having a very calm dog, and, at least once, sitting courtside at a Clippers game.
In 2011, she started my blog Other-Wordly. Other-Wordly, my book based on the blog, launched in October 2016 from Chronicle Books and was a New York Times bestseller in the Education category in January 2017.
Her future goals include a career teaching college composition, having a very calm dog, and, at least once, sitting courtside at a Clippers game.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 492 reviews
February 19, 2022
I am gonna use these words to sound
intelligent and make my bio sound interesting. *oops exposed*
My favourite words were :- Nefilibata, Oniochalasia, L'apel du vide, Balter, Nyctophilia❤
Well do you know we have a word for when we
see stars after rubbing our eyes?
-->Phosphenes
Overall a great collection with cute illustrations but what missing was the translation, I mean ofc ?!!
intelligent and make my bio sound interesting. *oops exposed*
My favourite words were :- Nefilibata, Oniochalasia, L'apel du vide, Balter, Nyctophilia❤
Well do you know we have a word for when we
see stars after rubbing our eyes?
-->Phosphenes
Overall a great collection with cute illustrations but what missing was the translation, I mean ofc ?!!
December 11, 2018
Redamancy my personal fav.
Also mbuki-mvuki, l'appel du vide, Erlebnisse, Fernweh, hiraeth and nemophilist.
This world needs to remember that languages are things of beauty, paths to mind-building and quintessentially ways of life and not just instruments for business and general use.
Also mbuki-mvuki, l'appel du vide, Erlebnisse, Fernweh, hiraeth and nemophilist.
This world needs to remember that languages are things of beauty, paths to mind-building and quintessentially ways of life and not just instruments for business and general use.
January 19, 2022
this was just as perfect as it sounds.
-----------
pretty sure this was made in a lab for me and i am equal parts frightened and extremely excited
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pretty sure this was made in a lab for me and i am equal parts frightened and extremely excited
December 27, 2016
TSUNDOKU (noun, Japanese)
buying books and not reading them; letting them pile up unread on shelves or floors or nightstands.
Somehow knowing that there's a name for it makes me feel less guilty. Look! People around the world have been doing it so much and for so long that we even need a word for it! I'm fine, I swear! *says, unpacking the 4th book that day*
This was a lovely read, words can be such a thing of beauty.
SMULTRONSTÄLLE (noun, c, Swedish)
lit. "place of wild strawberries"; a special place discovered, treasured, returned to for solace and relaxation; a personal idyll free from stress or sadness.
This is the perfect coffee table book, it's tiny and its strenght resides in its illustrations that are simply gorgeous.
I felt though that too much space was given to the English language and, although I do really love her with all my heart, other languages deserve so much more. Plus I'm not a linguist but words such as "scintilla" have a Latin etymology so I wouldn't think them proper of the English language. We do have it in Italian as well. But this is just me being a party pooper, the book is absolutely stunning anyway and it was one of my self-bought Christmas presents for this year!
HIRAETH (noun, m, Welsh)
a homesickness for a home to which you cannot return, a home which maybe never was; the nostalgia, the yearning, the grief for the lost places of your past.
*tears up a bit*
buying books and not reading them; letting them pile up unread on shelves or floors or nightstands.
Somehow knowing that there's a name for it makes me feel less guilty. Look! People around the world have been doing it so much and for so long that we even need a word for it! I'm fine, I swear! *says, unpacking the 4th book that day*
This was a lovely read, words can be such a thing of beauty.
SMULTRONSTÄLLE (noun, c, Swedish)
lit. "place of wild strawberries"; a special place discovered, treasured, returned to for solace and relaxation; a personal idyll free from stress or sadness.
This is the perfect coffee table book, it's tiny and its strenght resides in its illustrations that are simply gorgeous.
I felt though that too much space was given to the English language and, although I do really love her with all my heart, other languages deserve so much more. Plus I'm not a linguist but words such as "scintilla" have a Latin etymology so I wouldn't think them proper of the English language. We do have it in Italian as well. But this is just me being a party pooper, the book is absolutely stunning anyway and it was one of my self-bought Christmas presents for this year!
HIRAETH (noun, m, Welsh)
a homesickness for a home to which you cannot return, a home which maybe never was; the nostalgia, the yearning, the grief for the lost places of your past.
*tears up a bit*
July 6, 2019
Yes indeed, I do well realise that most of the reviews for Other-Wordly: Words Both Strange and Lovely from Around the Word have obviously been very much and often even glowingly positive. And certainly, both Yee-Lum Mak's list of featured words (not only foreign but also often presenting many less well known and sometimes historical English language words and expressions) and Kelsey Gerrity-Riley's accompanying muted sepia toned illustrations have certainly as claimed in the title been lovely (and occasionally also rather strange). However and to and for me as a budding linguist and as such also speaking as an individual always interested in word etymologies and language history, that Yee-Lum Mak in Other-Wordly: Words Both Strange and Lovely from Around the Word has not given us ANY information and details whatsoever on word origins, on language history and the like, this really does make Other-Wordly: Words Both Strange and Lovely from Around the Word majorly lacking in every sense of the word for me (with a bit of a pun intended), and not really all that interesting language and linguistics wise either.
For example, the included English noun brontide, which is described in Other-Wordly: Words Both Strange and Lovely from Around the Word as the low rumble of distant thunder is clearly and obviously derived from the ancient Greek, something that I really do wish Yee-Lum Mak had mentioned and pointed out (since for me personally and academically, just presenting a bunch of interesting and strange words from around the globe is not really anything at all if there are not also and equally information and details provided on the words themselves, on their origins, their etymologies etc.). And therefore, albeit that Other-Wordly: Words Both Strange and Lovely from Around the Word certainly has of course and to a point been interesting and entertaining enough with regard to the list of words Yee-Lum Mak has provided and chosen, and while Kelsey Gerrity-Riley's pictures have definitely been aesthetically pleasant and sweetly rendered, the complete lack of any and all supplemental linguistic and word origin details has really been both a major personal and intellectual disappointment and shortcoming (and so much so that I really can only consider one star at best for Other-Wordly: Words Both Strange and Lovely from Around the Word, for truth be told, I really am rather horribly annoyed and intellectually frustrated at and by the total non inclusion of even some basic and rudimentary linguistic and word history details on the featured and included words).
For example, the included English noun brontide, which is described in Other-Wordly: Words Both Strange and Lovely from Around the Word as the low rumble of distant thunder is clearly and obviously derived from the ancient Greek, something that I really do wish Yee-Lum Mak had mentioned and pointed out (since for me personally and academically, just presenting a bunch of interesting and strange words from around the globe is not really anything at all if there are not also and equally information and details provided on the words themselves, on their origins, their etymologies etc.). And therefore, albeit that Other-Wordly: Words Both Strange and Lovely from Around the Word certainly has of course and to a point been interesting and entertaining enough with regard to the list of words Yee-Lum Mak has provided and chosen, and while Kelsey Gerrity-Riley's pictures have definitely been aesthetically pleasant and sweetly rendered, the complete lack of any and all supplemental linguistic and word origin details has really been both a major personal and intellectual disappointment and shortcoming (and so much so that I really can only consider one star at best for Other-Wordly: Words Both Strange and Lovely from Around the Word, for truth be told, I really am rather horribly annoyed and intellectually frustrated at and by the total non inclusion of even some basic and rudimentary linguistic and word history details on the featured and included words).
September 9, 2018
One missing piece...
Only thing I wish the book had, was how to pronounce the words. I know what they mean now, but I have to figure out how to say them.
Only thing I wish the book had, was how to pronounce the words. I know what they mean now, but I have to figure out how to say them.
September 13, 2020
This gorgeous little volume combines little-known words or phrases, from a variety of languages, that perfectly express an emotion or reaction, along with a vivid illustration for each. The art style was the perfect accompaniment to the emotional response these words conjured in me.
Some of my favourite new discoveries were:
BRUMOUS (adjective, English)
of gray skies and winter days; filled with heavy clouds or fog; relating to winter or cold, sunless weather
BRONTIDE (noun, English)
the low rumble, as of distant thunder
TSUNDOKU (noun, Japanese)
buying books and not reading them; letting books pile up unread on shelves or floors or nightstands
RESFEBER (noun, c, Swedish)
the restless race of the traveler’s heart before the journey begins, when anxiety and anticipation are tangled together; a “travel fever” that can manifest as an illness
L’APPEL DU VIDE (noun phrase, French)
lit. “the call of the void”; the inexplicable draw of the dangerous and unknown future; the urge to throw oneself from safety into the gulf of an unexplored adventure, experience, or idea
DWAAL (noun, South African English)
a dreaming, drifting, drowsy state;
(verb, Afrikaans)
to wander or stray as if one is dreaming
Some of my favourite new discoveries were:
BRUMOUS (adjective, English)
of gray skies and winter days; filled with heavy clouds or fog; relating to winter or cold, sunless weather
BRONTIDE (noun, English)
the low rumble, as of distant thunder
TSUNDOKU (noun, Japanese)
buying books and not reading them; letting books pile up unread on shelves or floors or nightstands
RESFEBER (noun, c, Swedish)
the restless race of the traveler’s heart before the journey begins, when anxiety and anticipation are tangled together; a “travel fever” that can manifest as an illness
L’APPEL DU VIDE (noun phrase, French)
lit. “the call of the void”; the inexplicable draw of the dangerous and unknown future; the urge to throw oneself from safety into the gulf of an unexplored adventure, experience, or idea
DWAAL (noun, South African English)
a dreaming, drifting, drowsy state;
(verb, Afrikaans)
to wander or stray as if one is dreaming
October 20, 2022
While reading this book, I suddenly remembered reading somewhere that the most beautiful Malay word that is hard to translate into English is "Sayang". It resonated with me so much I remember about it until now so I looked it up on Google to see if I could find it again. I can't remember if this was the piece I read before, but Gelveen Gill explained it well:
What is the most beautiful Malay word that cannot be translated to English?
I believe the word is “Sayang”. “Sayang” is definitely the most affectionate and beautiful word in Malay that's hard to describe and translate in English.
“Sayang” can be used between lovers as it has romantic, loving connotations similar to the Malay word “cinta”. The direct English translation of “cinta” is love. Although “sayang” means the same as “cinta” its more than just love so its hard to directly translate like “cinta”.
“Sayang” we can use with anyone in a romantic and non-romantic way like with parents, or children or friends or even things. We can say “abah sayang kereta” meaning “dad loves the car” or “saya sayang ibu” meaning “I love mom”. In this context we don't use the word “cinta”. “Cinta” describes a different kind of love and affection limited to lovers and towards one's country.
Unlike “sayang”, in many context won't use the word “cinta”. It's easier to replace the word “cinta” with “sayang” in any context but the reverse, meaning to replace “sayang” with “cinta” is extremely limited. “Sayang’s” meaning is wider and harder to find the exact same word in English, as “cinta” which clearly means love.
Its also common to call one's lover/spouse/gf/bf “sayang”. Here the word “Sayang” describes both love & preciousness and we often use it.
“Sayang” can also be used to say “my dear” for e.g with random strangers, like if you're asking something in a store, the sales person could reply “ye Sayang” meaning “yes my dear”. It is not a pick up line of any sort, and same gender can use it between themselves too.
Even more unique, “sayang” can be used in a sarcastic way too, it's like sarcasm + affection, for e.g “dengar sini sayang” in a piss of tone meaning “listen here darling”. Sometimes when we are getting an earful or a “lecture” from our parents or among spouses they can start of with “sayang” then continue off with a scolding.
Sayang is certainly the most beautiful word that does not have a one word translation in English that I know off. As the word “Sayang” encompasses love, care, precious, romantic, endearment, sweetness, whimsical, affection and more (except sexual) connotations. Its meaning varies depending the context and tone its used and whatever the context, the word “sayang” always brings shades of love/loving/affection.
“Sayang” is a noun, verb, adjective, & adverb whereas “Cinta” is mostly noun and verb. I used the word “Cinta” to draw difference with “sayang” because its the closest in meaning when attempting to translate in English.
And, uniquely, we can form sentences with this one word "Sayang":
"Sayang, sayang, sayang sayang sayang? Sayang sayang sayang."
Which literally translated to "Dear darling, do you love me? I love you."
--
Oh, about the book. I found this book enjoyable and the illustrations are cute, but I feel it is too short. I'm sure there are many beautiful words out there like "Sayang" that didn't make it into this book.
What is the most beautiful Malay word that cannot be translated to English?
I believe the word is “Sayang”. “Sayang” is definitely the most affectionate and beautiful word in Malay that's hard to describe and translate in English.
“Sayang” can be used between lovers as it has romantic, loving connotations similar to the Malay word “cinta”. The direct English translation of “cinta” is love. Although “sayang” means the same as “cinta” its more than just love so its hard to directly translate like “cinta”.
“Sayang” we can use with anyone in a romantic and non-romantic way like with parents, or children or friends or even things. We can say “abah sayang kereta” meaning “dad loves the car” or “saya sayang ibu” meaning “I love mom”. In this context we don't use the word “cinta”. “Cinta” describes a different kind of love and affection limited to lovers and towards one's country.
Unlike “sayang”, in many context won't use the word “cinta”. It's easier to replace the word “cinta” with “sayang” in any context but the reverse, meaning to replace “sayang” with “cinta” is extremely limited. “Sayang’s” meaning is wider and harder to find the exact same word in English, as “cinta” which clearly means love.
Its also common to call one's lover/spouse/gf/bf “sayang”. Here the word “Sayang” describes both love & preciousness and we often use it.
“Sayang” can also be used to say “my dear” for e.g with random strangers, like if you're asking something in a store, the sales person could reply “ye Sayang” meaning “yes my dear”. It is not a pick up line of any sort, and same gender can use it between themselves too.
Even more unique, “sayang” can be used in a sarcastic way too, it's like sarcasm + affection, for e.g “dengar sini sayang” in a piss of tone meaning “listen here darling”. Sometimes when we are getting an earful or a “lecture” from our parents or among spouses they can start of with “sayang” then continue off with a scolding.
Sayang is certainly the most beautiful word that does not have a one word translation in English that I know off. As the word “Sayang” encompasses love, care, precious, romantic, endearment, sweetness, whimsical, affection and more (except sexual) connotations. Its meaning varies depending the context and tone its used and whatever the context, the word “sayang” always brings shades of love/loving/affection.
“Sayang” is a noun, verb, adjective, & adverb whereas “Cinta” is mostly noun and verb. I used the word “Cinta” to draw difference with “sayang” because its the closest in meaning when attempting to translate in English.
And, uniquely, we can form sentences with this one word "Sayang":
"Sayang, sayang, sayang sayang sayang? Sayang sayang sayang."
Which literally translated to "Dear darling, do you love me? I love you."
--
Oh, about the book. I found this book enjoyable and the illustrations are cute, but I feel it is too short. I'm sure there are many beautiful words out there like "Sayang" that didn't make it into this book.
July 20, 2020
Wonderful!
December 16, 2020
With delightful illustrations by Kelsey Garrity-Riley, Other-Wordly is the perfect gift for anyone who loves language. Author Yee-Lum Mak selects 64 words from 18 different languages, and constructs a gentle story arc that begins in nature, and ends with a party. From mbuki-mvuki (Bantu, meaning to shed one's clothing spontaneously and dance naked in celebration) to tartle (Scot, the pause when trying to remember someone's name), the selection of words and accompanying illustrations will have readers smiling from cover to cover.
October 7, 2016
* This book was sent to me for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review *
I really expected to like this because I had already seen some of the illustrations on the cover art and I love this style of watercolour wash. The book is a simple coffee table type of book with beautiful colour images throughout, but the true purpose of it is to show you words from various countries and cultures that mean something you can't really define in one word.
There was one page in here which particularly focused on books and libraries and the feelings and habits of readers. I really, really enjoyed that page, and the opening page which is framed by flowers.
Overall, I think this is a lovely little gift-style book and it's one I would give to a friend for a birthday or someone who likes a beautiful little mini books.
I really expected to like this because I had already seen some of the illustrations on the cover art and I love this style of watercolour wash. The book is a simple coffee table type of book with beautiful colour images throughout, but the true purpose of it is to show you words from various countries and cultures that mean something you can't really define in one word.
There was one page in here which particularly focused on books and libraries and the feelings and habits of readers. I really, really enjoyed that page, and the opening page which is framed by flowers.
Overall, I think this is a lovely little gift-style book and it's one I would give to a friend for a birthday or someone who likes a beautiful little mini books.
April 22, 2023
For someone who loves words as much as I do, I found this book is wholesome!
This book is a collection of words from multiple languages that are not just words, they are complete feelings that can not be translated or explained in a second language. If I had to add one Bangla word to this book, it would be "অভিমান"!
This book is a collection of words from multiple languages that are not just words, they are complete feelings that can not be translated or explained in a second language. If I had to add one Bangla word to this book, it would be "অভিমান"!
November 20, 2017
This is a vast improvement on the hyped Lost In Translation. There are more words explored per page that relate to one another. The illustrations are soothing, quiet and absolutely beautiful. I enjoyed reading this so much I had to purchase a copy.
July 20, 2020
Hypnotizing and poetic, this little book contains unconventionally beautiful words that represent profound emotions and meanings collected from different languages. I always considered such words as wonders of a combination of language and culture and always been fascinated by them. It’s an amazing mystery to find a single word that is absolutely untranslatable and tells you more than you can imagine and you need to explain it to create a bridge to another language. A great find, a lovely read for language enthusiasts. My only problem with the book is that it is too short to completely satisfy the reader, it leaves you craving for more and the pronunciations should have been included, too!
May 26, 2018
Komorebi-Japanese noun for the sunlight that filters through the leaves of trees. Almost a decade ago I wrote a fantasy novel that starred a Knight and a skeleton walking on the sun talking to a god who asked them what is the color of light coming through trees. It was a question I'd had almost every spring when I'd sit on my back porch reading and would occasionally look up and spot the light bleeding through those thin stalks and leaving me wondering.
Other Wordly wins my instant respect because it gave me a language, a word for a sensation and a feeling I've been looking for for almost a decade.
Other Wordly wins my instant respect because it gave me a language, a word for a sensation and a feeling I've been looking for for almost a decade.
September 25, 2019
Generally I really enjoy word collections of this kind, but in this particular case I didn't care much for most of the words presented. Also, there were too many English words that were basically words with foreign origin that wasn't really explained.
September 13, 2017
Found this book in Haworth without knowing anything about it beforehand, and was seduced by the illustrations. Very wholesome.
January 20, 2018
Very interesting, with some very lovely illustrations. However, I'm not sure whether to completely trust some of the definitions.
December 26, 2018
I'm in love with this tiny little book. The words were as amazing as I expected, but the drawings were even better. This book is going to be a precious treasure to me.
September 26, 2021
الرسومات الموجودة بالكتاب رهيبة ولطيفة لأبعد حد.
March 9, 2019
"'Tsundoku' (noun, Japanese) buying books and not reading them; letting books pile up unread on shelves or floors or nightstands."
Well, it is interesting to discover that someone needs a word for this often enough that they came up with one. I have sometimes been in danger of succumbing to tsundoku, but then I will bear down and read enough of them in a short enough time to regain the nightstand. Tsundoku, in my case, is sign that my love of reading is being overwhelmed by...
"'Oniochalasia' (noun, English) buying or shopping as a method of stress relief or relaxation"
I find I have the most room available on shelves, floors, and nightstands when I don't go near the bookstore until I have room on the 'bought-but-not-read-yet' bookshelf for new additions.
"'Mbuki-mvuki (verb phrase, Bantu) to shed one's clothing spontaneously and dance naked in celebration"
Sadly, I do not believe I will have much call to use this word in my life, unless as a very old man I become a bit Alzheimer-ish and start acting out. It is fun to know that it exists, though.
"'Noceur' (noun, masc. French) someone who goes to sleep late or not at all, or one who stays out late to revel and party"
Some of these words I _did_ have a use for, earlier in life, but that time has passed. Perhaps I should teach them to my teenaged daughter, in preparation for her college years.
"'Hoppípolla' (verb phr., Icelandic) jumping into puddles"
While others, I could have used when my daughter was younger.
"'Nefelibata' (noun, m+f, Spanish and Portuguese) lit. 'cloud-walker'; one who lives in the clouds of their own imagination or dreams, or one who does not obey the conventions of society, literature, or art"
Others are right for any phase of one's life.
In addition to splendid words, hand picked by Yee-Lum Mak from many different parts of the world, there is the pleasure of the illustrations by Kelsey Garrity-Riley. Two or three of these words are combined in one page, and whimsically and thoughtfully put into the same scene by the illustration. It is, in fact, a wonderful nightstand book, and I would try to read just one page each night, then close it and dwell in my that illustration via my imagination. Most nights, I could not help but read several pages. When it ended, I wished there were more.
p.s. when I put this text into GR, it's spellchecker objected to every single one of them. :)
Well, it is interesting to discover that someone needs a word for this often enough that they came up with one. I have sometimes been in danger of succumbing to tsundoku, but then I will bear down and read enough of them in a short enough time to regain the nightstand. Tsundoku, in my case, is sign that my love of reading is being overwhelmed by...
"'Oniochalasia' (noun, English) buying or shopping as a method of stress relief or relaxation"
I find I have the most room available on shelves, floors, and nightstands when I don't go near the bookstore until I have room on the 'bought-but-not-read-yet' bookshelf for new additions.
"'Mbuki-mvuki (verb phrase, Bantu) to shed one's clothing spontaneously and dance naked in celebration"
Sadly, I do not believe I will have much call to use this word in my life, unless as a very old man I become a bit Alzheimer-ish and start acting out. It is fun to know that it exists, though.
"'Noceur' (noun, masc. French) someone who goes to sleep late or not at all, or one who stays out late to revel and party"
Some of these words I _did_ have a use for, earlier in life, but that time has passed. Perhaps I should teach them to my teenaged daughter, in preparation for her college years.
"'Hoppípolla' (verb phr., Icelandic) jumping into puddles"
While others, I could have used when my daughter was younger.
"'Nefelibata' (noun, m+f, Spanish and Portuguese) lit. 'cloud-walker'; one who lives in the clouds of their own imagination or dreams, or one who does not obey the conventions of society, literature, or art"
Others are right for any phase of one's life.
In addition to splendid words, hand picked by Yee-Lum Mak from many different parts of the world, there is the pleasure of the illustrations by Kelsey Garrity-Riley. Two or three of these words are combined in one page, and whimsically and thoughtfully put into the same scene by the illustration. It is, in fact, a wonderful nightstand book, and I would try to read just one page each night, then close it and dwell in my that illustration via my imagination. Most nights, I could not help but read several pages. When it ended, I wished there were more.
p.s. when I put this text into GR, it's spellchecker objected to every single one of them. :)
July 18, 2017
Another one I purchased for a friend but had to read before sending it on (again, being gentle with the binding). (It doesn't count as a "used" book in this case, right?)
As a person who has an actual computer-file list of words I find fascinating, amusing, etc., I couldn't resist this one. The selections come from various languages and describe some intriguing concepts. One of my favourites is tsundoku, a Japanese word for letting books pile up unread.
The illustrations are beautiful, warm and delightful and truly enhance the book.
As a person who has an actual computer-file list of words I find fascinating, amusing, etc., I couldn't resist this one. The selections come from various languages and describe some intriguing concepts. One of my favourites is tsundoku, a Japanese word for letting books pile up unread.
The illustrations are beautiful, warm and delightful and truly enhance the book.
August 6, 2019
This book was a fun little book about the meaning of some fun little words around the world. Several of the words are ones that we don't have a word for in English. This is a great book for anyone interested in etymology. As an added bonus, the illustrations in this book are gorgeous!
August 29, 2021
Such an interesting book! So many pretty words with pretty meanings, perfected with pretty illustrations!!
I thought I'm the only one who loves words with unusual meaning and words with no equivalent in other language.
I thought I'm the only one who loves words with unusual meaning and words with no equivalent in other language.
December 30, 2018
I love untranslatable words.
November 28, 2022
Przeczytane z mamą w jakieś 15 minut xd Piękne ilustracje.
May 31, 2022
Coffee table book with gorgeous illustrations and a few new to me words I hope I will remember.
June 27, 2022
QUOTES:
TSUNDOKU (noun, Japanese) buying books and not reading them; letting books pile up unread on shelves or floors or nightstands
MAMIHLAPINATAPAI (noun, Yaghan) the look shared by two people who have reached an unspoken understanding or who desire the same thing but each wish that the other would offer it first
SMULTRONSTÄLLE (noun, c, Swedish) lit. “place of wild strawberries”; a special place discovered, treasured, returned to for solace and relaxation; a personal idyll free from stress or sadness
CROODLE (verb, English) to cuddle or nestle together, from fear or cold; to make a noise like a dove
SOMBREMESA (noun, f, Spanish) the time spent around the table after lunch or dinner talking to the people with whom you shared the meal; time to digest and savor both food and friendship
TSUNDOKU (noun, Japanese) buying books and not reading them; letting books pile up unread on shelves or floors or nightstands
MAMIHLAPINATAPAI (noun, Yaghan) the look shared by two people who have reached an unspoken understanding or who desire the same thing but each wish that the other would offer it first
SMULTRONSTÄLLE (noun, c, Swedish) lit. “place of wild strawberries”; a special place discovered, treasured, returned to for solace and relaxation; a personal idyll free from stress or sadness
CROODLE (verb, English) to cuddle or nestle together, from fear or cold; to make a noise like a dove
SOMBREMESA (noun, f, Spanish) the time spent around the table after lunch or dinner talking to the people with whom you shared the meal; time to digest and savor both food and friendship
September 23, 2025
A while ago while staring at the different editions of Jane Eyre I own ( some in English some in greek) I was trying to solve the ( perhaps unsolvable, certainly meaningless) debate of which language I prefer. My train of thought escalated when I started reminiscing of Italian, French and Arabic books I've read translations of, and how magnificent they'd probably be in their original form if their translation was so marvelous.
This book found me at exactly the right time,and reawakened my love and wonder for all the different languages and ways human beings put in words even the most queer experiences.
Aside from the selection of words in itself, the illustrations were absolutely gorgeous and REALLY added to the cozy feeling of the book itself. Kudos for both the art style the perfectly curated selection of words 🫶
This book found me at exactly the right time,and reawakened my love and wonder for all the different languages and ways human beings put in words even the most queer experiences.
Aside from the selection of words in itself, the illustrations were absolutely gorgeous and REALLY added to the cozy feeling of the book itself. Kudos for both the art style the perfectly curated selection of words 🫶
April 4, 2021
Really good.
Btw "scintilla" isn't English but Italian, although the meaning is correctly written in the book and it might also be used in English.
Btw "scintilla" isn't English but Italian, although the meaning is correctly written in the book and it might also be used in English.
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