þagnarbindindi
Icelandic
Etymology
From þögn + bindindi, literally “a period of abstinence in which one keeps silent”.
Noun
þagnarbindindi n
- a temporary vow of silence, a period in which a person or a group intentionally does not utter a single word, quiet time (in a classroom)
Usage notes
Often used by elementary school teachers ("Einn, tveir, og þagnarbindindi!" – "Everybody, a period of complete silence in one, two, and ...") in order to turn staying silent into a game.
See also
- þagnarskylda
- bindindismaður