English Has a Word for That
English Has a Word for That
Ever had a moment, a feeling, or just a vibe… but couldn’t quite find the words for it? Don’t stress, English has your back.
While some languages need a whole sentence (or even a paragraph) to describe something, English just casually drops a weird, wonderful word and walks away like it’s no big deal.
The best part? Some of these words don’t even exist in other languages. They’re quirky. They’re oddly specific. And once you learn them, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.
Here are 5 delightfully untranslatable English words you didn’t know you needed, well… until now.
- Gobsmacked
Meaning: So shocked you’re basically speechless.
Example: “I was absolutely gobsmacked when I saw the exam questions… none of them looked familiar.”
It sounds like something straight out of a comic book and honestly, it kind of is.
- Kerfuffle
Meaning: A dramatic fuss over something small.
Example: “There was a bit of a kerfuffle at lunch when two people claimed the last doughnut.”
A kerfuffle isn’t serious; it’s a harmless chaos. Fun to say, even more fun to cause (just saying).
- Humblebrag
Meaning: Pretending to be modest while actually flexing.
Example: “Ugh, I didn’t even study and still got full marks. I feel so bad!”
We see you. We know exactly what you’re doing. And yes, we’re rolling our eyes. Just a little.
- Earworm
Meaning: That one song stuck in your head that refuses to leave.
“Let it goooo, let it goooo…” Yep. That.
- Banter
Meaning: Friendly teasing and back-and-forth jokes between friends.
If there’s no banter, are you even real friends?
English is full of odd little gems, words that somehow manage to perfectly capture those “you had to be there” moments. And while they might not exist in other languages, once you learn them, they stick with you like… well, an earworm.
So next time you’re using English, just know that there’s probably a perfect (and slightly ridiculous) word for whatever you’re trying to say.
At ILTI, we encourage our learners to polish their language skills via real-life situations. We do not practise the chalk and talk approach – we learn and have fun at the same time. Join us today by calling / WhatsApp 010-395 3067 or email: info@ilti.edu.my.