Etourderie

/ˌeɪtʊərdəˈriː/ noun

Definition

Absent-mindedness, carelessness, or a thoughtless action; a moment of being dizzy or confused.

Etymology

From French 'étourderie' derived from 'étourdi' (dazed, careless), possibly from Latin 'ex-turditus.' Borrowed into English to describe a specific kind of silly thoughtlessness.

Kelly Says

Etourderie is such a perfect French word because English speakers don't have a single word for that moment when you walk into a room and forget why you came—the French get it!

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