In the behavioural sciences, Schadenfreude is the term for a euphoric affective state experienced in response to visual and auditory stimuli communicating others experiencing pain or suffering. The euphoric effect has been observed to be significantly elevated in females, primarily of Western origin, when the suffering is observed in males known to the test subject, with a strong correlation between the level of prior intimacy and intensity of the euphoria. Of particular note is the extreme degree to which other faculties may be impaired as the intensity of the euphoric state increases in the observer, in correlation to the increased suffering of the observed.
"In my decades long career I've never witnessed the brain's pleasure centre light up as much as it has in the divorced couple Schadenfreude cases. The most remarkable example was when a caucasian, middle class, suburban female heard her ex-husband had fallen off a roof and shattered his spine. She only heard an aural account and apparently didn't even need to witness it. The intensity of brain activity doubled when she was told he may never walk again. When she heard his children were watching and heard an account of the total humiliation he felt as they witnessed the moment of his downfall, we had to stop the experiment out of concern her brain may overheat. The fact that they were also her children witnessing a traumatic event appeared to have no attenuating effect on her response, if anything it increased."
by MalcolmTent0 April 11, 2018
Nicky: "Schadenfruede, what's that, some sort of Nazi word?"
Gary Coleman: "Yep, it's German for 'Happiness at the misfortune of others!'"
Nicky: "'Happiness at the misfortune of others', that IS German!"
Gary Coleman: "Yep, it's German for 'Happiness at the misfortune of others!'"
Nicky: "'Happiness at the misfortune of others', that IS German!"
Gary Coleman: Right now you'r down and out, and feelin' really crappy.
N: I'll say.
Gary Coleman: And when I see how sad you are, it sorta makes me... HAP-PY...!!!
Nicky: HAPPY?!
Gary Coleman: Sorry Nicky, human nature, nothin' I can do. It's Schadenfruede, makin' me feel glad that I'm not you!
Nicky: Well that's not very nice, Gary!
Gary Coleman: I didn't say it was nice, but ev'rybody does it! D'jah ever clap when a waitress falls, and drops a tray of glasses?
Nicky: Yeah.
Gary Coleman: And ain't it fun to watch figure skaters fallin' on their asses?
Nicky: Sure!
Gary Coleman: Don'tcha feel all warm and cozy watching people out in the rain? That's
Both: Schadenfreude!
Gary Coleman: People taking pleasure in your pain!
N: I'll say.
Gary Coleman: And when I see how sad you are, it sorta makes me... HAP-PY...!!!
Nicky: HAPPY?!
Gary Coleman: Sorry Nicky, human nature, nothin' I can do. It's Schadenfruede, makin' me feel glad that I'm not you!
Nicky: Well that's not very nice, Gary!
Gary Coleman: I didn't say it was nice, but ev'rybody does it! D'jah ever clap when a waitress falls, and drops a tray of glasses?
Nicky: Yeah.
Gary Coleman: And ain't it fun to watch figure skaters fallin' on their asses?
Nicky: Sure!
Gary Coleman: Don'tcha feel all warm and cozy watching people out in the rain? That's
Both: Schadenfreude!
Gary Coleman: People taking pleasure in your pain!
by Lorelili October 23, 2004
Basically, that feeling you get watching America's Funniest Home Videos(or a similar show). You're feeling glad that you're not someone experiencing pain. The opposite of sympathy.
Watching someone get stacked(hit in the crotch) and either laughing or cringing. That's Schadenfreude.
by supergub November 1, 2009
German for unanticipated delight in the suffering of another which is cognized as trivial and/or appropriate.
Simply it is pleasure derived from the misfortunes of others.
Simply it is pleasure derived from the misfortunes of others.
They got a good laugh out of watching the waitress trip and fall while carrying a huge tray of food. That is schadenfreude.
by aw182006 February 13, 2009
To gloat at another's worst luck: malicious and even sadistic pleasure in some other person's horrible misfortune.
German and American car companies have given new meaning to schadenfreudeing, over Toyota's miscalulation.
by Guido1 February 4, 2010
A feeling of schadenfreud swept over Camille as she watched her roommate Allison suffer through 75 pages of Freud. Camille had endured hours of difficult nursing classes, but Allison had an easy major and coasted through college... until now. Sweet revenge.
by andlearprincessoftherainbows September 6, 2011
they punctured my tire because they are schadenfreuders
by nigerianwut December 18, 2022