Romantic Words the English Language Is Missing

Romantic Words That Don't Exist in English but Should

by The Date Report 3/25/14 2 Reactions 91 Shares Print

We're happy to present this excerpt from one of our favorite sites, The Date Report. Check out these words that the English language is missing out on when it comes to dating and relationships.

Sometimes words aren’t enough to communicate with the object of your affection — English words, that is. In case you aren’t lucky enough to speak 12 languages fluently, we’ve compiled a love and dating-themed vocabulary list drawn from sources as varied as Tagalog, Dutch, and Inuit. Get over your saudade, indulge in a little cafuné, and you’ll be queesting in no time.

1. Mamihlapinatapai (Yaghan, Tierra del Fuego): This term, which holds the Guinness World Record for “most succinct word,” means “looking at each other hoping that either will offer to do something which both parties desire but are unwilling to do.”

2. Saudade (Portuguese): A melancholic nostalgia for someone or something from the past.

3. Tuqburni (Arabic): The literal translation is “You bury me,” referring to a love so deep you can’t imagine living life without your partner.

4. Bakku-shan (Japanese): A girl who’s only attractive when she’s viewed from behind.

5. Forelsket (Norwegian): That intoxicatingly euphoric feeling you experience when you’re first falling in love.

6. Cafuné (Portuguese): The act of running your fingers through your lover’s hair.

7. Paasa (Tagalog): “A person who leads someone on (intentionally or not). Appearing as if they are genuinely interested romantically when they aren’t.”

8. Kummerspeck (German): Literally translating to “grief bacon,” this delightful word refers to the less-than-delightful excess weight you gain from emotional overeating.

9. Onsra (Boro language of India): That bittersweet feeling of loving for the last time — in other words, that feeling you get when you know a love won’t last.

10. Gretchenfrage (German): A question asked for the purpose of finding out someone’s real intentions. First dates are overflowing with Gretchenfrages.

11. La douleur exquise (French): The excruciating pain that comes from wanting someone you can’t have.

12. Queesting (Dutch): A whole verb dedicated to inviting a lover into your bed for some pillow talk.

13. Oodal (Tamil): The fake-sulking you do after getting into a lovers’ tiff, usually over something inconsequential. Also see: crocodile tears.

14. Kilig (Tagalog): The stupid-silly rush you feel immediately after something good happens, especially when it comes to love (like after accidentally bumping into your crush.)

15. Cavoli riscaldati (Italian): When you attempt to start up a failed relationship or love affair. Also, literally, ‘reheated cabbage.’

To find out what other words made the cut, head to The Date Report: 25 Romantic Words That Don't Exist in English But Should

—Christina Chaey and Molly Fitzpatrick

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