Undefinables

Ehvenişer

(Turkish) The lesser of two evils.

Illustration by Raissa Pardini

Universally relatable words from languages around the world — with no direct equivalents.

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Our Contributors

Raissa Pardini Illustrator

Raissa Pardini is an Italian-born multidisciplinary designer based in Glasgow, UK. She has worked for brands like Vans, Dr. Martens, and Fred Perry.

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More Undefinables

Kontal-kontil

Kontal-kontil

(Malay) The swinging of long earrings as one walks.

Illustration by Jess Rotter
Zhaghzhagh

Zhaghzhagh

(Farsi) The chattering of teeth from either anger or the cold.

Illustration by Raissa Pardini
Schilderwald

Schilderwald

(German) Literally, “a forest of street signs,” this is a street so full of street signs that you’re more prone to getting lost than finding your way.

Illustration by Ahonen & Lamberg
Cavoli riscaldati

Cavoli riscaldati

(Italian) Literally, “reheated cabbage,” this is an attempt to reheat an old romance, or revive an unworkable relationship.

Illustration by Jess Rotter
Elmosolyodni

Elmosolyodni

(Hungarian) A kind of soft smile that forms when something isn’t especially funny, but you can’t help but smile anyway.

Illustration by Raissa Pardini
Takalluf
Takalluf

Takalluf

(Urdu) The kind of hospitality that involves going out of your way to accommodate someone else.

Illustration by Ahonen & Lamberg
Age-otori
Age-otori

Age-otori

(Japanese) A disaster haircut that makes you look worse than before.

Illustration by Jess Rotter
Fargin

Fargin

(Yiddish) To not to begrudge the success of someone else; to be genuinely joyous of another’s joy.

Illustration by Ahonen & Lamberg
Voorpret

Voorpret

(Dutch) A build-up of anticipation, joy, or pleasure you feel ahead of the actual event, such as when you can’t help but dance while setting up for a party.

Illustration by Jess Rotter
Ubuntu

Ubuntu

(Zulu) A philosophy of common humanity and the idea that community is essential to society. It’s part of the phrase “umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu,” which literally translates as “I am because we are.”

Illustration by Raissa Pardini

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Kontal-kontil
Undefinables

Kontal-kontil

(Malay) The swinging of long earrings as one walks.

Illustration by Jess Rotter
Zhaghzhagh
Undefinables

Zhaghzhagh

(Farsi) The chattering of teeth from either anger or the cold.

Illustration by Raissa Pardini
A Dose of Joy
A Moment

A Dose of Joy

Hair-centric Icelandic artist Shoplifter on the undeniable power of pure joy.

Words by Alex Frank, Photography by Magnus Unnar
Schilderwald
Undefinables

Schilderwald

(German) Literally, “a forest of street signs,” this is a street so full of street signs that you’re more prone to getting lost than finding your way.

Illustration by Ahonen & Lamberg
Cavoli riscaldati
Undefinables

Cavoli riscaldati

(Italian) Literally, “reheated cabbage,” this is an attempt to reheat an old romance, or revive an unworkable relationship.

Illustration by Jess Rotter
Mary Beth Keane
Impressions

Mary Beth Keane

The author recalls her most surreal travel experience.

Words by Mary Beth Keane, Illustration by Victoria Rosselli
Elmosolyodni
Undefinables

Elmosolyodni

(Hungarian) A kind of soft smile that forms when something isn’t especially funny, but you can’t help but smile anyway.

Illustration by Raissa Pardini
The Highball(er)
A Toast

The Highball(er)

A drink from Casa Cavia in Buenos Aires.

Words by Jessica Suarez, Photography by Grant Cornett
Takalluf
Undefinables

Takalluf

(Urdu) The kind of hospitality that involves going out of your way to accommodate someone else.

Illustration by Ahonen & Lamberg
Jeremiah Stone and Fabián von Hauske Valtierra
A Moment

Jeremiah Stone and Fabián von Hauske Valtierra

The Michelin-starred chefs of Wildair and Contra embrace sweet nostalgia with their pivot to highbrow donuts.

Words by Eileen Cartter, Directed by Blaise Cepis
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