20 Hilarious Foreign Phrases English Needs To Borrow

Hikikomori

There are lots of zeitgeist phrases that have to do with modern technology, but not as many as we probably need. This Japanese word, (pronounced hee-Kee-Koh-mor-ee) which describes a teenager who has withdrawn from the world in favor of video games and TV, would perfectly fit into that vocabulary.

Shemomedjamo

The country of Georgia has done the world a great service by creating this word (pronounced SHAH-moh-med-jah-moh). Roughly translated, it describes when you eat way too much just because the food is so delicious.

Iktsuarpok

English verbs usually only have a single function and rarely describe anything both in full detail and concisely. This word from the Inuit language (pronounced sick-tsu-ARH-pok) fits those details – it means to be so excited for the arrival of a guest that you keep looking out your window to see if they have come yet.

Soare cu Dinti

Literally translated, this Romanian phrase (pronounced SWAH-ree cut DEEN-TEE) means “sun with teeth.” It is used to describe weather that looks beautiful when you’re inside, but then you go outside and its terrible.