Gazelle

"Gezellig" is certainly the most Dutch word there could be. It is the linguistic version of two gay stoner tulips dutch-ovening each other under a windmill after a rioting at a football game. For such a commonly used word, it is so misunderstood outside of the language. It has been translated as:

• Attractive
• Comfortable
• Companionable
• Convivial
• Cosy
• Folksy
• Friendly
• Homelike
• Homey
• Pleasant
• Snug
• Sociable
• With atmosphere
• With Character

Normally I would believe in the almighty power of Wikipedia, but for once, maybe, just maybe, something on the internet isn't entirely accurate. But let's quote it as a starting-point.

1. Having company with a pleasant, friendly ambience
2. Cozy atmosphere
3. An upbeat feeling about the surroundings

Never mind that they used the more obscure spelling of "ambiance". The point is, no word can describe all the situations that can be gezellig. Once, when I was working as a lunch-lady, I was asked to make a tuna salad. I was given a big can of tuna, mayonnaise, lemon, chili, and chives. I asked how much of the chives I should put in, and the lady replied "Until it looks gezellig". While I am sure that a bathtub of tuna salad might be cosy to some people, and may be the next revolution in matrass technology, I doubt that is what she meant.

For years now, when speaking English and I come across a situation that is gezellig, I say "This is gazelle-ish". Try it. As little sense as it might make, it makes much more sense than trying to explain it. It has nothing to do with gazelles, but just even thinking of a gazelle makes someone happy, mirroring the meaning of the word. Seriously, look at this picture of a gazelle without feeling a little uplifted. You won't be able to do it.

Feel the gazelle run through your body. Feels good don't it? And this is the purpose of The Weekly Gazelle.


Example Sentences:

"I love what you have done with the bedroom. It looks gazelle-ish."
"Last night was so much fun. We had a gazelle."
"We had a Christmas dinner with the neighbours. We had wine, bread, salad, and gazelle."