Schadenfreude

Schadenfreude (German: [ˈʃaːdn̩ˌfʁɔʏdə] ) is a complex emotion characterized by pleasure, joy, or self-satisfaction that comes from learning of or witnessing the troubles, failures, or humiliation of another person. It's often a secret, sometimes guilty, delight experienced at the misfortune of others. This emotion can manifest in various degrees, from a subtle sense of relief that one's own situation is better, to a more intense, even malicious, glee. The psychological roots of schadenfreude are thought to involve feelings of social comparison (where we evaluate ourselves by comparing to others), envy, insecurity, and a sense of justice being served. It can also arise from a feeling of being elevated or validated, as we are no longer the focus of negative attention or feeling less fortunate by observing another's downturn. While universally understood, cultural expressions of schadenfreude vary. Some cultures may be more open about expressing it, while others may suppress it due to social norms or moral considerations.

Schadenfreude meaning with examples

• As the rival team fumbled the ball in the final seconds of the championship game, a ripple of schadenfreude ran through the supporters of the opposing team. Their disappointment was palpable, but in the jubilant cheers of the victors, there was a subtle acknowledgement that a degree of pleasure was felt from their opponent's misfortune. This particular game was a heated rivalry for years, fueling the schadenfreude further, and made it all the more satisfying to watch their rivals fail.
• Scrolling through social media, Sarah couldn't help a twinge of schadenfreude when she saw her ex-boyfriend's new relationship seemed to be faltering. She had endured a difficult breakup and, while she didn't wish him outright unhappiness, the sight of his romantic woes provided a small, almost guilty, sense of satisfaction. This feeling, born from a place of both relief and comparison, showcased schadenfreude's complicated, yet understandable, emotional depth in modern life.
• The office erupted in schadenfreude when their notoriously arrogant and always late boss was publicly reprimanded for consistently missing project deadlines. The collective relief was very evident as other colleagues chuckled, knowing their own hard work and discipline was finally being recognized, contrasting their own success with the boss's very public and deserved failure. This displayed how schadenfreude can become apparent in workplace dynamics, often a byproduct of social hierarchies.
• After a particularly grueling exam, the students who had studied diligently felt a surge of schadenfreude when they learned that many of their less-prepared classmates had failed. While outwardly sympathetic, an internal satisfaction arose from their own effort and investment. This showcased how schadenfreude can stem from academic settings where a comparative sense of achievement can highlight or validate one's own success in contrast to another's failure. The joy was not malicious, yet it lingered.