Feel Good words that cannot be described in English
Happy New Year and let's start the year on a positive note!!
Hygge has been the trendy word in recent months, but did you know other European countries also have their own feel-good words. They may not all have the same meaning but they describe pleasurable experiences, people, environments..
Gezellig / Gezelligheid (Dutch)
Let's start off with Gezellig, a Dutch word that encompasses anything quaint, that makes us feel cosy and warm inside. It's like staying in a cafe, taking in the aroma of coffee beans, not having to rush to the next appointment and (this is my favourite part) not picking up after others.
For most of us (wives, mothers especially) we feel the need to immediately put away that mug lying there on the table, those unwashed dishes, unfolded laundry.. and sometimes all these little chores pile up. They're not really chores by themselves, but accumulating them, doing them one after the other... it does make us feel a little stressed out, a little unhappy (why somebody else isn't doing 'their job') and a little more ongezellig! So, might as well just leave it a little longer.
Gezellig, to me, is to live a little slower. To be in the moment.
Some articles on Gezellig:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gezelligheid
http://www.slate.com/articles/life/welltraveled/features/2005/should_i_move_to_amsterdam/the_quest_for_gezellig.html
http://www.sheknows.com/home-and-gardening/articles/1135835/gezellig
Gemutlichkeit (German)
Gemutlichkeit is described as close to Hygge, to be cosy, comfortable and revel in familiar company of family and friends. Also, it encompasses unhurriedness. Some describe it as the feeling of Christmas markets.
And while we are on this topic, let's also look at the word Mahlzeit. It is related to balanced work and play. Also, if you are sick, you are expected to be at home, resting, until you are completely well to work again. Mahlzeit allows a distinct mark between work and play, respect for lunch hours and relaxation after work hours. Work during working hours and have adequate play / rest outside work.
Some articles on Gemutlichkeit and Mahlzeit:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gem%C3%BCtlichkeit
https://mahabis.com/blogs/journal/how-to-embrace-gemutlichkeit
http://www.upworthy.com/5-ways-gemtlichkeit-could-help-us-find-more-unhurried-happiness-in-our-lives
http://www.bbc.com/capital/story/20171022-what-the-german-language-reveals-about-attitudes-to-work
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/amol-sarva/why-germans-work-fewer-ho_b_6172262.html
Koselig (Norwegian)
Now we are moving back to Nordic Countries with Koselig, a Norwegian word for cozy, self-care, indulgence and relaxation. I guess, due to the cold weather and having to spend a lot of time indoors, countries in Northern Europe are really good at this sort of thing. And also seizing the moment to go out when the sun is out! It is to live in the moment, and make everything comfortable. Little things that make life better on an everyday basis.
Some articles on Koselig:
https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/koselig-life-turtleneck/
https://afroginthefjord.com/2014/02/02/how-to-make-things-koselig/
https://www.lifeinnorway.net/a-visual-guide-to-koselig/
Mysig (Swedish)
I wrote about Lagom in one of my previous blogs and here we are back in Sweden with their word for cosy: Mysig. Swedes may hate me for saying this, but mysig reminds me of IKEA or the other way round. It's so cliche. But I'm not saying IKEA is Mysig. But I feel, that IKEA is creating the idea of Mysig. The furniture that is not overly neat, that cosy feeling when stuff is a bit messy, that lived-in look and lingonberry jam, and Swedish meatballs.
I only found 1 article on Mysig:
http://katsinger.com/travel/2011/03/20/getting-cozy-in-sweden/
Jakos to bedzie (Polish)
Jakos to bedzie means 'things will work out in the end'. But instead of sitting there waiting for things to happen, it means to take an adventure or a risk. Like exploring a new place, somewhere unknown, taking an impromptu trip and going with the flow. As the new year begins, this could be something to go with, to take risks and make new discoveries along the way.. because Jakos to bedzie!!
http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20171107-the-polish-phrase-that-will-help-you-through-tough-times
And before I end my blog, please let me rave about something quite unrelated and yet not far off.. Have you seen these warmies? (This is not an ad, they're just so cute!) They're just the cutest things ever, yes they are heat-packs, disguised as a few of the cutest plushies I've ever seen.. pity Singapore is too hot to have any use for them.
Hygge has been the trendy word in recent months, but did you know other European countries also have their own feel-good words. They may not all have the same meaning but they describe pleasurable experiences, people, environments..
Gezellig / Gezelligheid (Dutch)
Let's start off with Gezellig, a Dutch word that encompasses anything quaint, that makes us feel cosy and warm inside. It's like staying in a cafe, taking in the aroma of coffee beans, not having to rush to the next appointment and (this is my favourite part) not picking up after others.
For most of us (wives, mothers especially) we feel the need to immediately put away that mug lying there on the table, those unwashed dishes, unfolded laundry.. and sometimes all these little chores pile up. They're not really chores by themselves, but accumulating them, doing them one after the other... it does make us feel a little stressed out, a little unhappy (why somebody else isn't doing 'their job') and a little more ongezellig! So, might as well just leave it a little longer.
Gezellig, to me, is to live a little slower. To be in the moment.
Some articles on Gezellig:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gezelligheid
http://www.slate.com/articles/life/welltraveled/features/2005/should_i_move_to_amsterdam/the_quest_for_gezellig.html
http://www.sheknows.com/home-and-gardening/articles/1135835/gezellig
Gemutlichkeit (German)
Gemutlichkeit is described as close to Hygge, to be cosy, comfortable and revel in familiar company of family and friends. Also, it encompasses unhurriedness. Some describe it as the feeling of Christmas markets.
And while we are on this topic, let's also look at the word Mahlzeit. It is related to balanced work and play. Also, if you are sick, you are expected to be at home, resting, until you are completely well to work again. Mahlzeit allows a distinct mark between work and play, respect for lunch hours and relaxation after work hours. Work during working hours and have adequate play / rest outside work.
Some articles on Gemutlichkeit and Mahlzeit:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gem%C3%BCtlichkeit
https://mahabis.com/blogs/journal/how-to-embrace-gemutlichkeit
http://www.upworthy.com/5-ways-gemtlichkeit-could-help-us-find-more-unhurried-happiness-in-our-lives
http://www.bbc.com/capital/story/20171022-what-the-german-language-reveals-about-attitudes-to-work
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/amol-sarva/why-germans-work-fewer-ho_b_6172262.html
Koselig (Norwegian)
Now we are moving back to Nordic Countries with Koselig, a Norwegian word for cozy, self-care, indulgence and relaxation. I guess, due to the cold weather and having to spend a lot of time indoors, countries in Northern Europe are really good at this sort of thing. And also seizing the moment to go out when the sun is out! It is to live in the moment, and make everything comfortable. Little things that make life better on an everyday basis.
Some articles on Koselig:
https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/koselig-life-turtleneck/
https://afroginthefjord.com/2014/02/02/how-to-make-things-koselig/
https://www.lifeinnorway.net/a-visual-guide-to-koselig/
Mysig (Swedish)
I wrote about Lagom in one of my previous blogs and here we are back in Sweden with their word for cosy: Mysig. Swedes may hate me for saying this, but mysig reminds me of IKEA or the other way round. It's so cliche. But I'm not saying IKEA is Mysig. But I feel, that IKEA is creating the idea of Mysig. The furniture that is not overly neat, that cosy feeling when stuff is a bit messy, that lived-in look and lingonberry jam, and Swedish meatballs.
I only found 1 article on Mysig:
http://katsinger.com/travel/2011/03/20/getting-cozy-in-sweden/
Jakos to bedzie (Polish)
Jakos to bedzie means 'things will work out in the end'. But instead of sitting there waiting for things to happen, it means to take an adventure or a risk. Like exploring a new place, somewhere unknown, taking an impromptu trip and going with the flow. As the new year begins, this could be something to go with, to take risks and make new discoveries along the way.. because Jakos to bedzie!!
http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20171107-the-polish-phrase-that-will-help-you-through-tough-times
And before I end my blog, please let me rave about something quite unrelated and yet not far off.. Have you seen these warmies? (This is not an ad, they're just so cute!) They're just the cutest things ever, yes they are heat-packs, disguised as a few of the cutest plushies I've ever seen.. pity Singapore is too hot to have any use for them.
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