Undefinables

Rame

(Balinese) Something that is at once chaotic and joyful.

Illustration by Raissa Pardini

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

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Undefinables

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.

More 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

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

Illustration by Jess Rotter

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

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

Illustration by Ahonen & Lamberg

Age-otori

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

Illustration by Jess Rotter

Ehvenişer

(Turkish) The lesser of two evils.

Illustration by Raissa Pardini

Fargin

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

Illustration by Ahonen & Lamberg

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

(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

Murr-ma

(Wagiman) Feeling around the water with your feet to find something.

Illustration by Ahonen & Lamberg

Explore more

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