mamihlapinatapai

! Fun Fact Friday

The word “mamihlapinatapai” comes from the near extinct Yaghan language of the Yagán Idians of Tierra del Fuego. It has been in the Guinness Book of Records in 1993 and has been described as the “most succinct” word in any language. The word has a few translations; one more romantic: “a look shared by two people, each wishing that the other would initiate something they both desire but which neither wants to begin” and one more (im)practical “looking at each other hoping that the other will offer to do something that both parties desire to have done but are unwilling to do so themselves” .

Going from its difficult definition to our daily work or personal situations, the translation of this word becomes an interesting topic since we all have a side that makes us want to get things done without actually doing anything about it and we hope that by looking at someone, problems will be solved miraculously. And this covers heaps of scenarios: from partners sorting out who’s going to do the cooking, lovers waiting for the other to make the first step, to colleagues choosing to do the talking in front of the tough boss.

If you’re shy, afraid, lack confidence or simply don’t want to do something…. find your “mamihlapinatapai” partner!