According to the Best of Wikipedia, Mamihla (let's make things a little easy here) describes "a look shared by two people with each wishing that the other will initiate something that both desire, but which neither one wants to start."
How sweet is that? Isn't it amazing that one word, all by itself, can describe so much? And doesn't it have the most adorable meaning ever? Or am I just the biggest sappiest fool out there?
Either way, I like the word. And I like what it means. And what's more, it makes me want some mamihlapinatapai. Just so I can say I got some mamihlapinatapai.
*Giggle* *
17 people had something to say:
Very nice, I like :)
Now get your butt over to Wordpress!
- Omit That
Is there some sort of etymological logic to it? Just to help remember.
On related note - I <3 The Meaning of Liff/The Deeper Meaning of Liff for that reason. Words to describe things that were ignored earlier. Like ABERYSTWYTH (n.) A nostalgic yearning which is in itself more pleasant than the thing being yearned for.
:)
Awww! I want a mami.....no not an aunt, :P but what you wrote about
@ Omit: My butt is halfway there! :)
@ Geetika: Meetha dard, I tell you ;)
@ Ayesha: I know, I know! :D
I like the sound of pinatapai.
Somehow reminds me of the Hindi word pitai, which is always so much fun, as long as you are not the one at the receiving end!
@ AD: Here and I am talking about the Karle Aankhein Chaar phenomenon, and you start talking about Pitai.
Not cool, AD, not cool. I must have a word with your better half sometime. *shakes head in disapproval*
You got to love a language and a culture that has a word for that! Nice find. :)
They have a word for that?
Wow!! :) English is missing so many words I tell you.
You know, how sometimes when you're in a really awkward situation and you get so nervous that you just start giggling for no particular reason even when it doesnt really help your cause..
English doesnt have a word for that.
But French does. "Fou Rire"
How I love it! :)
Gee: +1
I still can't pronounce the second part right but what a lovely word indeed!
Weekend project: Get some of that mamihlapinatapai. :D
@ Arslan: True! :) Though I wish we had something like this. Sigh :)
@ Tangled: Lol, so now I have a word for my behaviour, which is slightly more accurate than "hysterical". Ha.
@ PN: Let me know how you plan to achieve that. God knows I want some too :D
wowo! mamihlapa what? brilliant. which language?
lol. what language is it?
Enjoyed! You're right about the feeling!
i like! i like!
Meki
@ Ajai/Pankaj: I'd like to pretend like I know, but I don't. Click on the link though - it has more info :)
@ NS: Thanks :)
@ Mekki: I like too :D
Wow.... it is an awesome word.... as in its awesome tht the whole situation can be described in one word and we dont even know about it. I'd never use it tho.. it's too long... maybe we should use a short form... :P
Shruti <3
Lovely word..good work..:)
VK
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