Why Germans Can Say Things No One Else Can
The Book of Life explains that it’s all down to compound words:
Futterneid [Food-Envy]. That feeling when you’re eating with other people and realise that they’ve ordered something better than you.
Backpfeifengesicht [Slapping-face]. A face that’s begging to be slapped.
Kummerspeck [Sorrow-Fat]. When one is deeply sad, there is simply nothing more consoling to do than to head for the kitchen and eat.
Treppenwitz [Stair-Joke]. In French, Espirit d’escalier. The retort you think of when it is too late.
Schnappsidee [Schnapps-idea]. An idea you had while drunk.
Drachenfutter [Dragon-food]. A gift that one has to offer to one’s spouse to appease their fury for a wrong one has committed.