schadenfreude

scha·den·freu·de [ shad'n fròydə ] or Scha·den·freu·de [ shad'n fròydə ]

noun

Definition:

gloating at somebody else's bad luck: malicious or smug pleasure taken in somebody else's misfortune

[Late 19th century. < German< Schaden "harm" + Freude "joy"]

Courtesy of the Simpsons: "When Flanders Failed"

Lisa: Dad, do you know what Schadenfreude is?
Homer: (sarcastically) No, I do not know what Schadenfreude is. Please tell me, because I'm dying to know!
Lisa: It's a German term for 'shameful joy', taking pleasure in the suffering of others.
Homer: Oh, come on Lisa. I'm just glad to see him fall flat on his butt!

Have you ever known someone who loves it when bad things happen to others? Who knew there was a word for it? In my many years on this earth I have met several such people and to be honest may be one myself. Figure skaters falling on their a$$e$; a straight-A student getting a B; exes getting STDs—all cause for secret, malicious joy. I am ashamed. But, not terribly so. For instance 'Schandenfreude' is basically 'Better Him Than Me'. This has been described by scholars as (are you ready), "Social Comparison Theory and Service Recovery." Having tried myself to read this treatise, and having actually completed the first paragraph, I subscribe wholly to the, 'Better Him Than Me' position. Thus, now realizing my position in society will be solidified for all time, I must make a choice. I ponder briefly.........nope. Don't feel a bit guilty. Next!