Skip to main content

mamihlapinatapei 

A word in the Fuegian language of Tierra del Fuego in extreme southern South America (in both Chile and Argentina). Holds the Guinness Book of World Records record for "most succinct word".
The word mamihlapinatapei means "a look shared by two people with each wishing that the other will initiate something that neither one wants to start"
mamihlapinatapei by LudwigVan October 1, 2004

Mamihlapinatapei 

(Yagan, an indigenous language of Tierra del Fuego): The wordless yet meaningful look shared by two people who desire to initiate something, but are both reluctant to start.
Neither of you has mustered the courage to make a move, yet. Hands haven’t been placed on knees; you’ve not kissed. But you’ve both conveyed enough to know that it will happen soon… very soon, you've got mamihlapinatapei!
Mamihlapinatapei by Golden Raspberry September 24, 2012

Mamihlapinatapaineedashota 

Looking at each other hoping that either will offer to do something which both parties desire but are unwilling to do, *until alcohol is involved*.

A bar-hopper’s modification of the sober Yaghan word “mamihlapinatapai”.
She looked at him reservedly until the whiskey hit her lips, it was nothing but mamihlapinatapaineedashota after that.
Mamihlapinatapaineedashota by ArkOne November 19, 2019