"Frisson" has done good work for New York Times writers both through what it means ("shiver") and what it suggests (whatever it is in a French person's shiver that's different from a North American person's shiver.) Since 1981 they have used it 888 times as compared to 527 for "schadenfreude," the German word that means "happiness over the misfortune of another." Both are loan words. The late 20th-century surge by each suggests that they are also vogue words. Might they stay? Which has the better chance?
What "frisson" has going for it is that suggestion of a French sensitivity. It does for a sentence what "soupcon" does for a recipe. So as long as North Americans admire French sensitivity this will certainly push the word along. And unless German sensitivity gains an attraction it has so far lacked ,"frisson" can be expected to widen its lead.
What "schadenfreude" has going for it is its meaning. There's no single word in English that means "happiness in the misfortune of another." There's a niche waiting for it. Since that's the way loan words commonly stick in a language, and since there's no niche for "frisson," and no sign that one will open up ("shiver" seems to be doing just fine in the Times), I think we have to say that the smart money will be on "schadenfreude." Already, in the last five years, it has pulled ahead of "frisson," 282 to 261.
Ach du lieber Augustin! Do I sense a frisson of schadenfreude setting in? Pleas do "to have legs" next. Sounds French.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea, David. It might not be the most politically correct thing to say, according to the Americans with Disabilities.
ReplyDeleteDear David, that was Christine that said it on Brian's account, in case you are wondering who Brinolver is.
ReplyDeleteI understand, David, that news stories "have legs" if they have he potential to keep running in later editions. If they are long and slim and encased in tight jeans, yes, they are French. (I have just figured out how to post a comment.)
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