Freudenfreude

You know the unfortunate concept of schadenfreude – as defined by the Wiktionary as:

1. Malicious enjoyment derived from observing someone else’s misfortune; schadenfreude.
2. Satisfaction derived when an individual has misfortune for disregarding rules or conventions.

Pretty awful concept, even if it is the underlying principle of what is misleadingly referred to as practical jokes.

OK. So after you’ve responded to your need to delve that deeply into the darker side of human nature, you might seek a moment’s respite by contemplating the opposite of schadenfreude, which, unfortunately, doesn’t seem to exist.

(Unless, as Maaike de Jong kindly informs me, you are Buddhistically informed enough to know the word Mudita.) And, come to think of it, if you’re of the Judaic persuasion (or have read my post on the concept of nachas), there’s nachas.

Nevertheless, and notwithstanding, the word for today: freudenfreude.

It is not my word, actually. A quick Google search will lead you to the like-minded few who have also attempted to coin this word. I, however, in my official capacity as lexifunographer, officially empowered as I am with word-defining officialness, herewith and by announce the long-awaited freudenfreudeian legitimacy.

See freudenfreude.