Thread:Lidewey/@comment-29082502-20190611235329/@comment-29082502-20190613191405

Lidewey, I have been interested in etymology since the 70s, when I was fortunate enough to blunder into a class on greek and latin! So much easier to delve into meaning when you understand the origin of words. My most treasured possession back then was a 20# unabridged dictionary  (that I still own). You are an excellent teacher to meet your students where they are and inspire them to growth. My youngest, long out of school, is still upset by people who talk down to him. The very attitude interferes with learning. I've been searching for a word that conveys all three of the elements of milieu (one's surroundings, including culture), genius loci (spirit of a particular environment),  and phantasmagoria (a place in one's mind where movement away from the complexities of the world results in movement toward a united, artistic whole). Because I've never found it, I have settled on phantasmagoria,  as it seems to exist only in my mind. Loved the link! TY! I relate to schlimazel, often feeling like the social misfit upon whom the schlemiels of the world spill their coffee. And I think we could all relate to this wiki as invoking hygge, in it's better manifestations, the pleasant, genial, and intimate feeling associated sitting around a fire in winter in the company of close friends. Thanks Lideway, for helping me improve my ability to express thoughts through words. And thanks to the Danes for invoking hygge!