Welcome to a linguistic adventure where words paint vivid pictures of the ADHD experience! From hurkle-durkle mornings to the nikhedonia of achieving goals, the lexicon of neurodiversity offers a treasure trove of gems. Join us as we explore these quirky terms that capture the essence of living with ADHD, sprinkled with a dash of humor and a pinch of relatability.
1. Hurkle-Durkle
Etymology: Originating from eighteenth-century southern Scotland, "hurkle-durkle" finds its roots in the Scots verb "hurkle" or "hurkill," meaning 'to draw the limbs together close to the body', capturing the reluctance to rise from bed.
Usage: Once more common in Scottish dialects, this term has made a comeback on social media.
Example: "Even though I had a busy day ahead, I found myself in a hurkle-durkle, the coziness of my bed too tempting to resist."
Ever experienced that morning struggle to leave the comfort of your bed? Hurkle-durkle perfectly encapsulates that inertia many individuals with ADHD face when transitioning from rest to action.
2. Croochie-Proochles
Definition: A feeling of discomfort, anxiety, or uneasiness from being seated in a confined or otherwise uncomfortable position.
Etymology: Originating from Scots dialects (as all the best words we don’t use seem to hail from), croochie-proochles likely stems from "crooky" (crooked) and "prickles," capturing the discomfort of confined spaces.
Usage: Anyone who's ever felt restless during a long flight or meeting can relate to the sensation of croochie-proochles.
Example: "Jeez that flight was long! I have a serious case of croochie-proochles now."
Reflecting the physical restlessness often experienced by individuals with ADHD, croochie-proochles highlights the discomfort of prolonged inactivity. This one also reminds me of those periods of hyperfocus where I forget to drink and lock my body up in some ridiculous cat-like pose for hours on end, only to suddenly realise I’m cramping up.
3. Nikhedonia
Definition: The joy or pleasure of anticipating success.Etymology: Derived from Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, and "hedone," meaning pleasure, nikhedonia captures the thrill of envisioning future accomplishments.
Usage: Despite the challenges, the nikhedonia of achieving goals keeps many individuals with ADHD motivated and driven.
Example: "I’m only getting through this project because of the nikhedonia it’s giving me."
Nikhedonia provides a burst of motivation for those navigating the ups and downs of ADHD, offering a glimpse of the rewards awaiting their efforts. We could all use a little nikhedonia in our daily lives, whether it’s from the satisfaction of achievement, or rewards we promise ourselves for finishing boring tasks.
4. Latibulate
Etymology: From the Latin "latibulum," meaning a refuge or hiding place, this word resonates with the need for quiet retreats in overwhelming environments.
Usage: Whether it's finding solace in a cozy nook, escaping to a library for focus, or just lying face-down on the sofa to avoid looking at that pile of laundry, latibulating is a relatable experience for many neurodiverse individuals.
Example: "Oh, I can’t just latibulate all day? Have you met me?"
Sometimes, we all need a little mental escape. Latibulating reflects the need for moments of peace amidst the chaos of the ADHD mind.
5. Presque-Vu
Definition: The sensation of something being on the tip of your tongue, but not being able to recall it.Etymology: Mirroring the ADHD experience of forgetfulness or difficulty retrieving words or memories under pressure, presque-vu reflects the frustration of struggling to recall information.
Usage: "Presque-vu" is often used in discussions about memory and cognition, particularly regarding the tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon.
Example: "During the presentation, she was overcome by a moment of presque-vu when she couldn't recall the name of a key figure in the research."
Mirrors the ADHD experience of forgetfulness or difficulty retrieving memories under pressure.
6. Spuddle
Etymology: A blend of "spud" (a digging implement) and "puddle," this term harks back to ineffective efforts, often associated with trivial tasks.
Usage: While considered archaic, spuddle perfectly describes those moments when we find ourselves busy but not productive, often because we’re zoned out or have morning brain-fog.
Example: "After hours in front of his manuscript, he realized he had only managed to spuddle, with little to show for his efforts."
Spuddling might sound familiar to those who struggle to channel their energy into meaningful tasks, often getting caught up in distractions or minor details, akin to that feeling of going down the rabbit hole from switching tasks too much. Those who chase two rabbits catch neither, or whatever.
7. Alysm
Definition: Feelings of restlessness or boredom that come from being unwell.Etymology: Often used to describe being incapacitated from sickness, it is also used to describe the feeling of being stuck or unable to proceed with tasks due to overwhelming emotions or mental blocks. For this reason, alysm resonates with the frustrations of the ADHD experience that come from having a neurodivergent brain.
Usage: Reflects the ADHD experience of feeling stuck or unable to proceed with tasks due to overwhelming emotions or mental blocks.
Example: "She had a nasty flu and her alysm prevented her from focusing at all on her studies."
Alysm captures the feeling of being immobilized by internal struggles, hindering productivity and focus, a feeling all too well known to those of us with ADHD.
8. Befuzzlement
Definition: A state of confusion or mental haze, often experienced by individuals with ADHD.Etymology: The term "befuzzlement" combines "be-" (a prefix indicating a state of being) and "fuzz" (referring to something unclear or hazy), capturing the essence of mental confusion.
Usage: While not as commonly used as other terms, "befuzzlement" effectively describes the cognitive fog or mental haziness often experienced by individuals with ADHD.
Example: "I saw his mouth moving as he was giving me the directions, but all I felt was befuzzlement. He had to call me back when I immediately walked off in the wrong direction."
Reflects the experience of cognitive fog or mental confusion commonly associated with ADHD, where thoughts feel unclear or muddled.
9. Shivviness
Shivviness definition mug - shop now
Definition: Discomfort from wearing new clothing, particularly due to small irritations like tags or seams.Etymology: Relatable to the sensory sensitivities often experienced by individuals with ADHD, shivviness highlights the discomfort caused by minor irritants.
Usage: Reflects the sensory sensitivities often experienced by individuals with ADHD, especially when it comes to clothes tags and uncomfortable materials.
Example: "I can’t stand the shivviness of this new sweater, it’s driving me crazy!"
Shivviness underscores the sensory challenges faced by individuals with ADHD, illustrating how even minor discomforts can derail focus and attention.
10. Misslieness
Definition: The feeling of solitude from missing someone or something.Etymology: Resonating with the intense emotions experienced by individuals with ADHD, misslieness encapsulates the sense of isolation or longing.
Usage: Misslieness reflects the deep emotional connections and the sense of isolation often experienced by individuals with ADHD.
Example: "The misslieness she felt after moving away from her hometown was overwhelming."
Resonates with the deep emotional connections and the sense of isolation often experienced by individuals with ADHD.
Summing Up:
In the rich tapestry of language, these quirky words serve as colorful threads that weave together the fabric of the ADHD experience. From the cozy embrace of hurkle-durkle mornings to the anticipatory thrill of nikhedonia, each term offers a unique perspective on navigating the twists and turns of neurodiversity. So, the next time you find yourself latibulating in a croochie-proochles with a touch of shivviness, remember, you're not alone—there's a word for that!