Buzz
While the world boasts billions of words, the array of situations and experiences we encounter is boundless. Some occurrences are so infrequent that they remain unnamed, while others resemble familiar concepts, leading us to categorize them accordingly. Yet, every culture is distinct, and certain languages have terms for phenomena we might never consider.
10. Backpfeifengesicht
Originating from the same linguistic tradition that gave us schadenfreude (pleasure derived from others' misfortunes) and gluckschmerz (discomfort at others' success), backpfeifengesicht is a German term that loosely means “a face that deserves a slap.” The origins of this word remain unclear, but it’s worth noting that the term refers to the face itself rather than the individual possessing it. In other words, it’s not merely another way to describe someone we dislike intensely.
The notion that certain faces appear more prone to being punched isn’t new and has even been backed by scientific research. Researchers suggest that in ancient times, when physical combat was common, human faces evolved to withstand blows. This was particularly true for men, who often competed for mates. Features like the nose, jaw, cheekbones, and eye sockets developed greater durability, as these areas were primary targets for punches. Over time, facial structures have softened, but some individuals still exhibit more “punchable” characteristics. Thus, a backpfeifengesicht might simply describe a burly individual with a defiant, iron-like jawline, challenging anyone to take a swing.
9. Pisan Zapra
In Malaysia, the term pisan zapra refers to the duration it takes to consume a banana. Before clocks became commonplace, this phrase was used to approximate time. Saying someone would arrive in pisan zapra meant they’d likely appear in about two minutes. Similarly, the Finnish word poronkusema (the distance a reindeer can travel without stopping to relieve itself) operates on a comparable principle.
Pisan zapra is akin to doing something in a flash or a brief moment. While it may seem peculiar as a time measurement, it mirrors how many units of measurement originated. Interestingly, a “moment” isn’t just an abstract concept; in medieval times, it was precisely defined as 90 seconds. Similarly, a “jiffy” is an actual time unit, coined by scientist Gilbert Newton Lewis in the early 20th century. It represents the time light takes to travel 1 centimeter (0.4 inches), roughly one-hundredth of a second. This might give you something to ponder the next time you enjoy a quick Jiffy peanut butter and banana sandwich.
8. Nakhur
In Persian, the term nakhur describes a “camel that refuses to yield milk unless its nostrils are stimulated.” While this may seem peculiar, it’s understandable that farmers would explore any method to simplify the milking process. Camels are notoriously challenging to milk, as their udders are highly sensitive and ticklish. Unlike cows, camels only release milk when their calves are present, prompting dairy farmers to milk them simultaneously while the calf feeds. Even so, camels produce milk in short 90-second bursts, requiring a 10-minute rest before resuming. This makes mechanized milking impractical. Interestingly, camel milk is exceptionally nutritious and has been shown to help manage diabetes symptoms and Crohn’s disease.
7. Pesamenteiro
The Portuguese term pesamenteiro describes someone who frequently attends gatherings of mourners at a deceased person’s home, pretending to offer sympathy but actually aiming to enjoy the refreshments served. After surviving on instant noodles for weeks, any college student can empathize with such behavior. Still, a bit more context might help clarify the situation.
Hunger is a pressing issue in Portugal, with schools even keeping cafeterias open during holidays to feed students who might otherwise starve. As one of Western Europe’s poorest nations, Portugal’s 20th-century economic strategy relied on low labor costs, leaving it ill-equipped to compete with emerging economies. Since 2000, the country’s annual economic growth has averaged just 1 percent. While a pesamenteiro might seem like a freeloader, such actions could stem from the hardships of Portugal’s financial struggles.
6. Gintawan
Anyone who has a younger sibling or has worked in an office with new hires understands this dynamic. When a newcomer arrives, those already present often work harder, whether for attention or to help the newcomer adjust. This concept is captured in the Manobo word gintawan, meaning “the effort and diligence of the first wife.”
This term is relevant in polygamous relationships, where a man has multiple wives simultaneously. In such arrangements, the first wife often holds the position of the “head wife,” overseeing the others. This additional duty might be what gintawan refers to. Alternatively, it could signify the first wife’s efforts to prevent the second wife from capturing her husband’s affection. In Chile, the Yamana word kutua-na means “to replace the first wife with the second in the household.” And while we’re discussing wives...
5. Pu’ukaula
Gambling can result in significant losses, from cars to homes. In extreme cases, it can even lead to a husband losing his wife. The Hawaiian term pu’ukaula refers to “wagering one’s spouse in a bet.” While it might sound like a movie plot or a high-stakes gambler’s tactic, this practice is more common than one might think—and not just in Hawaii. At least two instances have been documented in India, where wives narrowly escaped after their husbands attempted to hand them over as stakes. In one case, villagers had to protect the wife’s refuge when the winner tried to forcibly claim her.
4. Okuri-Okami
The Japanese term okuri-okami describes a man who pretends to be considerate by offering to escort a woman home, only to assault her once inside. While the existence of such a word might suggest Japan is rife with potential molesters, reported cases are relatively low. Statistics indicate that 2.4 out of every 100,000 Japanese women experience sexual assault annually, compared to 84 out of 100,000 in the United States. However, this discrepancy likely reflects underreporting rather than fewer incidents.
Several factors contribute to this issue. Such acts are often misinterpreted as aggressive courtship rather than violence. Some men even describe pursuing women as seeking opportunities for assault. Additionally, the legal definition of sexual assault is narrow in Japan and many other countries, typically limited to violent attacks by strangers in secluded areas. Acts like a man escorting a woman home and becoming inappropriate are rarely viewed as criminal. Thus, okuri-okami may be more relevant than it initially appears.
3. Tsujigiri
It’s natural to want to test something new when we first acquire it. For most, this might mean driving a new car around the block or snapping selfies with a new phone. Samurai, however, took this to an extreme. The Japanese term tsujigiri, meaning “crossroads killing,” refers to the practice of samurai testing a new sword on unsuspecting passersby. The victim didn’t need to be an enemy or provoke the samurai—they simply had to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. This practice highlighted the unchecked power of samurai during their peak. Eventually, such acts were banned during the Tokugawa period, and those caught engaging in tsujigiri were arrested and often executed.
2. Pikikiwepogosi
The Ojibwe word pikikiwepogosi describes meat that has the flavor of an animal exhausted before slaughter. While this might sound like the concern of a fussy eater or a gourmet critic, scientific studies confirm its validity. Muscles burn glycogen for energy, and an animal that expends energy before death has less glycogen in its muscles. Post-slaughter, glycogen converts to lactic acid, which tenderizes the meat, preserves its color, and inhibits bacterial growth. Bacteria from slaughter can cause spoilage, slime, and discoloration. Animals that are well-rested before slaughter have more glycogen, resulting in better-tasting, longer-lasting meat. The lesson? Treating animals well before slaughter prevents spoilage afterward.
1. Prozvonit
In the Czech Republic and Slovakia, prozvonit refers to calling someone’s mobile phone and ending the call before they pick up. This practice serves two purposes. The first is to encourage the recipient to return the call, which may cost them minutes depending on their phone plan, while the caller incurs no charges.
The second reason is more straightforward: it’s a way to send a signal without using any minutes. This tactic dates back to the era of landlines and carnivals, where workers frequently used similar methods. For instance, a worker might make a collect call to his mother using a coded name like “Kay Fabian.” When the operator asked if she would accept the charges, she would decline, saving money, but the coded name would let her know her son was safe and well.
