naches

/ˈnɑx.əs/

Etymology

From Yiddish נחת (nakhes), from Hebrew נַחַת (nákhat, “contentment”).

naches means A feeling of contentment at another person's successes. Lexicurio rates it Sui generis — a strength score of 87 out of 100.

Why this word is great

NACHES — [Noun] A particular, proud contentment felt at the successes or achievements of another, especially one's child. From Yiddish נחת (nakhes), from Hebrew נַחַת (nákhat, "contentment, rest"). Unlike pride, which swells from one's own deeds, or schadenfreude, which feasts on another's pain, naches is the quiet sun of vicarious fulfillment. It is the tightness in the throat watching a child bow after a clumsy recital, the warmth spreading at a graduation announcement from a distant city, and the silent, settling peace when a grown voice offers wisdom you once tried to teach—the gentle profit of a life invested, a vessel emptied of self and filled with another's light.

noun

A feeling of contentment at another person's successes.“Fun of the nachas variety is most often attributed to the fun you get from your kids and grandkids, and sometimes even your spouse and parents and friends.”