1212: Germany adds 1,200 words for the pandemic. @josephsternberg, @WSJOpinion

Published: Feb. 24, 2021, 2:22 a.m.

Image:  Hospital train, Germany   Joseph Sternberg:  @josephsternberg, @WSJOpinion; Political Economics column; WSJ editorial board; in re:  My favorite new virus story: New German words for the pandemic! https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/feb/23/from-coronaangst-to-hamsteritis-the-new-german-words-inspired-by-covid   Covidiot, a term used (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/15/from-covidiot-to-doomscrolling-how-coronavirus-is-changing-our-language) in the UK, also appears in the German list. More specific isMaskentrottel (mask idiot), for someone who wears their face covering under their nose. But the words also tell a story of connection and community. For example, Einkaufshelfercan be used to describe someone who helps others with their shopping. Möhrs says CoronaFußgruß(corona foot greeting) is her personal favourite because it rhymes and because it shows a human desire