Learning a country’s native tongue is an invaluable way to experience its culture fully, allowing you to connect more deeply with locals and develop lasting relationships.
Vacilando is the travel term used to refer to enjoying random moments instead of focusing on reaching a specific destination. This concept is similar to that of hygge – meaning making yourself comfortable while traveling!
1. Coddiwomple
Coddiwomple, an emerging slang word that hasn’t made its way into the English dictionary yet, means to “travel on purpose toward an uncertain destination”. It encourages us to travel more purposefully towards discovering more.
Rarely have I come across a word that captures the true spirit of tramping like this one does – and this word truly does! It encapsulates our feelings when heading into the backcountry with no set agenda and an eagerness to see where each day leads us – let’s go on a codediwomple adventure!
2. Yugen
Yugen (pronounced Yu-geen) is a subtle yet mysterious sense of profundity that defies explanation in English. It could be anything from an aftertaste, suggestion, implication, twinge in the back of your mind or simply feeling that is too profound for words to describe.
Sesshu’s iconic “Splattered Ink Landscape” painting stands as one of the finest examples of Yugen art. The beauty of this masterpiece lies both in what remains unstained and invisible as well as what has been painted over.
Wabi-sabi, which translates to “beauty in imperfection”, embodies this notion perfectly: scars and wear-and-tear are evidence that something has been well cared for and should not be seen as defects but instead taken as signs that something was greatly loved and valued.
3. Eleutheromania
Have difficulty expressing your travel experiences through English alone? Luckily, foreign languages contain words which may help express them more accurately than ever.
Eleutheromania (pronounced el-uh’-tero-mah’-ni) is a term that refers to an overwhelming urge for freedom, or “manic yearning for independence”. It often describes those with an overwhelming need to experience new places and cultures around them.
“Wanderlust” is the perfect term to use when feeling drawn away from where you currently are and longing for something faraway from where you currently are. Just like saudade, this beautiful term allows people to express that special sentimentality felt towards something faraway from them.
4. Livsnjutare
While we might easily say supercalifragilisticexpialidocious without difficulty, certain foreign words can be challenging for our tongues to pronounce – for instance the Swedish term Livsnjutare can sound like you are drinking copious quantities of cocaine! Say this out loud and it may come out sounding strangely.
Hedonists seeking exclusive conveniences and Danish design will adore this series crafted in natural materials crafted with care – effortlessly pairing with any outfit thanks to super easy returns if anything doesn’t satisfy.
5. Schwellenangst
Have you ever stood at the door of an unfamiliar theater or cafe unsure if you should go in? Schwellenangst may be your sensation. A German term that combines schwelle (“threshold”) and anxiat (“anxiety”), this term describes that anxious feeling you get before embarking on something that might potentially be difficult or risky.
Witthaus organized concerts targeting young people (such as six Classic Rock nights for Eurovision), in order to reduce fear of attending classical music concerts among younger audiences. His philanthropic efforts also help break down inhibitions for those living with disabilities.
6. Metanoia
The Gospels of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ each call upon us to experience metanoia, an extraordinary and often painful transition into a different way of living. Derived from metanoeo (to think differently) this Greek term represents regret for past sinful behavior as well as moral transformation in a profound sense. It can also be understood as New Testamentean version of Hebrew Nacham which expresses sorrow over past actions as part of moral renewal.
Thomas Whittaker published Treadwell Walden’s work The Great Meaning of Metanoia in 1896 based on its philological analysis; Walden was among the first scholars to argue that translating New Testament metanoia as “repentance” misrepresented its true lexical and theological scope. Unfortunately, Walden’s study is now almost completely forgotten.
7. Sisu
Sisu is one of those Finnish words that is so unique to its culture and national character that non-Finns may find it hard to grasp. Although difficult to define precisely, Sisu can be thought of as a combination of resilience, hardiness and bravery when facing immense adversities.
Sisu (pronounced ‘seesu”) is a trait commonly associated with Finnish athletic achievements, yet also essential to everyday survival in this rugged Nordic nation. Sisu can be applied in many situations from braving freezing winter waters to reaching professional goals.
8. Sturmfrei
If your parents or roommates are out for the weekend, or your roommates have left town altogether, feel free to throw a party and cause havoc! In German this phrase translates to: sturmfrei. This sense of freedom and excitement will leave you wanting more!
Farsickness (German) is an emotional state that drives one to travel more. Knowing there is so much of this beautiful world still to see only increases your desire to discover more of its wonders, further fueling wanderlust.