the word dates back to the very beginning of modern japan,
the meiji era (1868-1912), and has its origins in a pun.
tsundoku, which literally means reading pile, is written in japanese as 積ん読
tsunde oku means to let something pile up and is written 積んでおく
around the turn of the century they swapped out the
oku (おく) for doku (読) – meaning to read.
because tsunde doku was hard to say,
the word was combined to form tsundoku.
—
this is the perfect word to describe certain places in my cottage
—
—
credits: dan colman, mental floss, reddit image
Discover more from I didn't have my glasses on....
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
I didn't have my glasses on.... 
How true this is. Luckily for me, it’s just my kindle that piles up. Although, I am guilty of kids books piling- used daily though.
Good Post :)
\\Stephanie
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think it’s okay and I find it comfortable to have them around, ready to be picked up and read at any moment )
LikeLike
I have tsundokuzine – piles of magazines!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So funny !
LikeLike
I’ve always been fascinated with the Japanese culture, although I know very little about it so I really enjoyed this insight into it you have given here. “Last of the Samurai” remains one of my favourite films
LikeLiked by 1 person
me too, peter –
LikeLike
Fun word Beth.
LikeLiked by 1 person
it really says it all )
LikeLike
But there is comfort in knowing you will never run out of books to read.
LikeLiked by 1 person
absolutely true, norm –
LikeLike
Thanks for this post, from one tsundokuer to another.
LikeLiked by 1 person
ha! yes )
LikeLiked by 1 person
yup, this is pretty much my chief decorating technique!
LikeLiked by 2 people
and it certainly plays a big role in mine as well )
LikeLike
no…you spelled incorrectly…tSUSIEdoku….got it? I invented the process! I have several monuments underfoot…I shall soon break both hips, wrench both knees and be found dead atop the stacks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
brilliant, susie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I adore the way you pile on the interesting fact that I would never stumble upon otherwise, Beth. :-)
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks, mark. and ‘stumble’ is the key word here )
LikeLike
I’m afraid it describes my Kindle for PC and my tablet. I can hardly climb over the piles now.
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
step lightly )
LikeLike
They have a word for that? :o
Hey, I’m stocking up. You never know when I might catch up and there will be no more paper books, although my Kindle has a staggering number of titles on it as well. :-P
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too )
LikeLiked by 1 person
:-D :-D :-D And don’t forget to save candles in case the lights go out. :-D
LikeLike
exactly!
LikeLike
Sigh. I love that and it’s definitely part of my home. :)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too )
LikeLike
Raises hand :)
LikeLiked by 1 person
)))
LikeLike
If the books on my headboard pile up so big that they fall off and hit me in the head, I figure I need to ease up on the book-collecting a bit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You read Japanese Beth? I’m impressed! <3
Diana xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
not at all, but i am good at finding information )
LikeLiked by 1 person
Weeee but guilty…😌
LikeLiked by 1 person
just a bit…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes lol not but smh darn autocorrect
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will have this word engraved on the roof of my home:).
LikeLiked by 1 person
hah!
LikeLike
This definitely describes my house. I love books and have my piles. I try to sort through them once in a blue moon and donate some to my library.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I constantly giving them away )
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes it is hard to keep up with it. :)
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is (
LikeLiked by 1 person
How ironic. This appropriately defines my week. For 18 years, the book “Smila’s Sense of Snow” sent on my book shelf. I bought it right after seeing the movie. Finally, I read it. Now, just why did I wait so long?
Great word, Beth. ;-)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beth … I shared this on Facebook. In one word, you have captured my condition. Love it. ;-)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Judy and believe me when I tell you I can understand )
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, I was fascinated by that movie and now I’d love to read the book. There goes my pile again..)
LikeLiked by 1 person
My place, too…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Same )
LikeLike
I have literally a wall of books in one room. The ones I care about never go into that room, but I just can’t seem to get rid of them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They somehow multiply at night)
LikeLike
This must be a disease many of us share.
LikeLiked by 1 person
it is running rampant and there is no vaccine for this.
LikeLiked by 1 person