When you wish for something that you know is about to happen.
The term dates back to the early 18th century during The Flood of Atqasuk. The city (at that point only a small fishing village) was flooded due to an unusual and highly dangerous melting of the snow in the area. It is still unknown what caused the snow to melt; the locals believed the Sun God was punishing them for not making enough sacrifices. In
order to appease his anger,
the village elders told them to catch several tons of fish, and burn them in a great village fire, certain that the smoke and fish flesh would please the god. After doing this for several weeks, as well as ritually dancing for snow to return to
the village, a number of
polar bears came to the village. The people took this to mean that snow would come for certain, and wished for it even more than before! Within days, the snow came, and thus their Eskimo wishes had been answered.
John is in a
restaurant and orders pancakes. He sees
the waiter coming with his pancakes
John: "I wish I had a plate of pancakes!"
The waiter sets the pancakes
down in front of him, fulfilling the Eskimo wish.
