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sprachgefühl noun. A feeling for language; an instinctive appreciation for words and idioms that are linguistically appropriate. (From the German word sprachgefühl, "language feeling.")

Example Citation:
"Sprachgefühl, the lexicographer's instinctive feeling for what is linguistically apropos or effective, tells me that populuxe, like art deco and putting on the ritz, is a term that is here to stay— at least in design circles."
—Anne H. Soukhanov, Word Watch

Subject Category:
Language - General

Posted on November 10, 1997 at 9:17 AM
Updated on November 10, 1997 at 9:17 AM


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