Undefinables

Yr

(Norwegian) A word that sounds like what it is: a very specific kind of rainfall with tiny, almost floating raindrops (or snowflakes) similar to drizzle or mist.

Illustration by Raissa Pardini

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

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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

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

(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

Viraha

(Hindi) Realizing you love someone only after you’re separated.

Illustration by Jess Rotter

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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

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

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

Impressions

Blu DeTiger

The musician on street food, hard-to-get-to places, and travel purchases.

Words by Blu DeTiger, Illustration by Victoria Rosselli

Undefinables

Age-otori

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

Illustration by Jess Rotter

Undefinables

Ehvenişer

(Turkish) The lesser of two evils.

Illustration by Raissa Pardini

How to Turn Your Home Into an Oasis

How To

How to Turn Your Home Into an Oasis

Plant guru Hilton Carter on plant care, good light, and how growing things will change your life.

Words by T. Cole Rachel, Illustration by Eleanor Taylor