Receiving a (generally large) amount of property, wealth, money, etc, from a deceased relative or close one, after being "mentioned" in their "will". In extreme cases, such as very large inheritances, typical results include marriage break-up (spouse hates partner for being so rich), personality collapse (what the heck do I do now I don't have to work for a living??), idleness, egomania, etc. Many heirs or heiresses experience guilt and self-loathing in proportion to the size of the inheritance received. Inheritance planning is supposed to alleviate this by only giving heirs money if they achieve in life, a gameplan that rarely works. Heirs within families usually fight over minor differences in sizes of inheritances recieved. There is a strong tendancy for young people in particular to be very adversely affected by large inheritances, contrary to the misconceptions of a wonderful life generated by popular envy feelings, these people are usually isolated, guilt-ridden and unsatisfied.
Sarah received her inheritance at 21, and after that, despite her yacht, mansion and trustfund, felt purposeless and ashamed.
by James William May 26, 2005
The United States. (eg, Ayatollah Khomenei: "we must destroy the Great Satan".) Any American abroad. European view of US.
"Satan is running amok again" - typical comment on any aspect of current US foreign policy by anyone at all outside US.
by James William May 19, 2005