Gezellig Vibe by lawhimsy on Polyvore
Gezellig is a Dutch word that comes from the abstract noun Gezelligheid. Depending on the particular context it can be roughly translated to mean a cozy, quaint, convivial, fun or nice atmosphere or even person. I think it is a most charming term and one that rates right up there with quaintrelle in it’s desirable attributes. To be gezellig or to have a gezellig home and surroundings has always been my goal – even before I knew a term for it, tee-hee!
I find words like gezellig, that have no truly exact translation to add a sort of richness and universal connection to language. Every culture has it’s own terms and expressions that simply cannot and should not be translated (except for relating and explaining in and to other cultures and languages). I enjoy using words that may be foreign to my first language, yet seem so very right and easy to use. Perhaps that’s one way to become more gezellig? Just a thought…
May we all create, discover and delight in our own gezellig places and lives!
Namaste ~ Ella
*Please check out the Word Nerd Index and the Word Nerd Pinterest Board for even more logophile fun!
Lawhimsy 