Decoder
Explaining a word and the culture that uses it.
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The word atrevida is written in script against blue and white tiles An Atrevida Is Best Avoided
The Portuguese word that exposes the country’s lingering double standards on gender.
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An illustration shows a figure laying down beneath the pavement, palms facing up, underneath a Russian tan with the word prisposoblenchestvo, referring to conformism, written in Cyrillic letters. Wartime Russians Fall Back on an Ancient Survival Strategy
Conformism and acquiescence have a long tradition in a culture of chaos and repression.
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An illustration shows a reimagined Nigerian flag with planes and arrows and the word "Japa" for the country's emigrant population who have fled the country. The Word That Captures Nigerians’ Feelings About the Future
“Japa” contains both the hope and the pain of wanting to leave one’s country behind for better opportunities.
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An illustration shows the Ukrainian word Svidomy in Cyrillic text with bursts of incoming fire and the Feb. 24, 2022, date to signify the start of Russia's war in Ukraine. The Word That Defines What It Means to Be Ukrainian Now
Svidomy, once used to locate people on the political spectrum, has come to signify wartime unity.
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An illustration of the Thai word kuan teen How Thai Activists Troll the Monarchy
Protesters have adopted humor and wit to critique the country’s politics.
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Set in front of a light green backdrop, a multicolored and multi-patterned moth designed with the symbols for male and female sex on each wing rests atop the face of a human figure with layered, chin-length hair. How ‘Bakla’ Explains the Struggle for Queer Identity in the Philippines
The Tagalog word eludes Western concepts of gender and sexuality—and offers a window into LGBTQ+ Filipinos’ quest for acceptance.
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An entitled man walks across a collage landscape to illustrate the concept of protocol in Ghana. The Secret to Getting What You Need in Ghana
Special “protocol” treatment has become a way of life for the privileged few.
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A linoleum print illustrates the Haitian Creole word koltiz. Kòltiz, a Patriotic Haitian Practice of Solidarity
Haitian collaborative groups affirm that “every human is human.”
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An illustration of the French word "seum" reflected in a woman's sunglasses as her lip curls. The Malaise Poisoning French Politics
There’s a word for the anger and disappointment French voters are feeling: “seum.”
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An illustration of French President Emmanuel Macron and the word emmerder. Macron’s Vulgarity Is a Big Deal
What the French president’s choice of swear word reveals about his style of governance.
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Typographical illustration of the Japanese word bimyou. The Good, the Bad, and the Bimyou
Neither yes nor no, this idea can take you far in Japanese politics.
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Maori, one wearing European garb, paddle a canoe in an engraving from 1826. How New Zealand Recognizes the People There First
The Maori term “tangata whenua” conveys a powerful relationship with the land.
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Illustration of Agbaya Age and the Agbayas
One word perfectly captures the clash between Nigeria’s leaders and its booming young population.
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Zivil Courage Illustration of words America Doesn’t Need Heroes
Why Germany’s concept of Zivilcourage is one for the Biden era.
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A shot from the March 20 episode of Tucker Carlson Tonight. ‘Baizuo’ Is a Chinese Word Conservatives Love
Whether you support Xi or Trump, sneering at progressives is a shared hobby.
