Dishing Up Schadenfreude for Tiger!

Schadenfreude (SHOD-en-froyd) is a German word that means, roughly, taking joy in someone else's misfortune. For most women the Tiger Woods thing has gotten old, but I have to admit that hearing that Tiger lost the big match today tasted delicious. I bet Schadenfreude is a little like Weiner Schnitzel, pictured here. Crispy, hot and fried just right.

Those Germans! Here's another one that Tiger should know: Drachenfutter. (DROCK-uhn-foot-er) Literally, the word means "dragon fodder, or dragon food." Figuratively, the word means "gifts from a guilty person." In Germany, it was common to see men drinking in bars or cafes on Saturday afternoon with their Drachenfutter already bought and wrapped in anticipation of their homecoming.

I got this great word from one of my favorite books, now out of print: They Have A Word For It by Howard Rheingold.

For schnitzeling around with his wiener, Tiger's gonna pay Drachenfutter big time. Ah, Schadenfreud. Elin, we're all feeling it, babe!