TagPsychology

shitasmia

shitasmia  n.— «It’s so terrible, it induces an entirely new emotion: a blend of vertigo, disgust, anger and embarrassment which I like to call “shitasmia.” It not only creates this emotion: it defines it. It’s the most...

Baby Talk

A Minnesotan has been observing his infant babbling, and wonders if words like “mama” and “papa” arise from sounds that babies naturally make anyway. Are there some words or sounds that are instinctive? Or do babies only...

highway hypnosis

highway hypnosis  n.— «Even without actually falling asleep, drivers can go for miles in what some experts call “highway hypnosis,” with their reflexes slowed and their judgment impaired.» —“When lack of sleep can...

poop butt

poop butt  n.— «The most severe threat to any adolescent drug user is the “snitch,” or the “loud mouth poop butt.” Anyone perceived as a potential informer will be isolated from the mainstream of adolescent drug use...

campsickness

campsickness  n.— «“Campsickness refers to the opposite of homesickness,” said Schafer. “These are kids who come back from camp after having a really good experience and miss their friends.”» —“Coping With...