BusinessAugust 17, 2026
schadenfreude
SHAHD-en-froy-duh
Definition
The experience of pleasure, joy, or self-satisfaction derived from learning about or witnessing the troubles, failures, or humiliation of others.
Etymology
The word is a direct loanword from German, formed by combining 'Schaden' (damage or harm) and 'Freude' (joy). It entered common English usage in the mid-20th century to describe this specific complex emotion.
In the news
The author uses this term to explain why the public took such pleasure in the Cracker Barrel logo controversy, noting that our brains are biologically wired to feel satisfaction at the misfortune of others.
Cracker Barrel’s business recovered. The marketing story never did.
Read the full article ↗Restaurant Dive