Malaperostity
(Mal-a-per-ust-ity) Noun: A feeling of minor annoyance due to an interruption or temporary alteration where, upon conclusion, things are not returned to the state from which they were found.
It was only eleven, and Mike was already exhausted. He loved his wife, but she had this annoying habit of moving his razor after she cleaned, and he left late.
When he got to the office, Jill from accounting was already busy setting up for the party later and had neglected to return the creamer to its regular place. Black coffee – better than no coffee.
Still, it had been a decidedly fine morning, and he was already at lunch. Mike furrowed his brows as he opened the fridge. Where’s my lunch?
He exhaled. It was on the other side from where he left it. Someone must have slid it over and didn’t put it back. Not a big deal.
Mike retreated to his office and closed the door, hoping to savor his lunch in the fifteen minutes he had before a slew of afternoon meetings. As Mike’s second bite of leftover orange chicken entered his mouth, Pat from sales gave his door two knocks and cracked it open, “Catch the game?”
“Sadly, Why do we watch this stupid team?”
“I feel you. It sucks.”
“New QB, same waste of time.”
“Amen. See you at the party!” Pat said, giving the doorframe a slap. He left the door wide open. Mike sighed and set his fork down. Before he could get up to close it, the new guy Matt’s head popped into view.
“Hey sir, got a minute?”
Mike checked his clock and sighed, “I’ve got five.”
So much for lunch.
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A/N
Etymology:
Root from the Latin root of “Bad Open Door” (malum apertum ostium) and early 16th-century French “Anxiety”. Inspired by my father's worst habit - opening a door and leaving without closing it again.
Still love you Dad.
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About the Creator
Matthew J. Fromm
Full-time nerd, history enthusiast, and proprietor of arcane knowledge.
Here there be dragons, knights, castles, and quests (plus the occasional dose of absurdity).
I can be reached at [email protected]
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Comments (45)
I LOVE how you included the etymology at the end! Nice!
Excellent word for the challenge entry
Great post
Clever new word you invented, malaperostity! As a lover of routines, I fully empathize with your story.
Congrats on the top story!!
Yep. Feel that pain AND cause that pain. Double bubble purgatory. Great word, love the etymology. 👍
So, do you think this guy may be just a little obsessive about life? Congrats on TS!
Hi 'M' ~ Can't even pronounce 'malaperostity' (3) times 'Slowly' ~ with no annoyance ~ I've followed you forever and glad to see we are TOP Bunkmates (metaphorically speaking) and *I've subscribed to you with pleasure. Jay Jay Kantor, Chatsworth, California 'Senior' Vocal Author - Vocal Village Community -
Great story! Congrats on top story! You’re spot on! I dislike these annoyances and will borrow your wonderful word! Terrific!
I relate to this so much... as I'm typing this I'm glaring at my five, three, and one-year-olds. And my sister and her husband. Oh, and my husband too. Send help. I'm alone in this hell.
Nice work ❤️❤️ I’ve never gotten a top story or a tip before but I’m happy for you😊💕
Congrats and I love it! ❤️❤️❤️
i thoroughly enjoyed this glimpse at one man's malaperostity. thanks for sharing, and congrats on the top story!
Good
I feel your pain. Is it really that hard to return the items to the correct spot they were already inhabiting? Congratualtions
Brilliantly done - especially loving the Latin footnote 👌✨🤍
Congratulations on your top story - it’s great!
Superstar Matt! Thank you again for this piece of awesomeness and just swinging by to say congrats on Top Story!
fun story , congratulations
Loved your story, the humor, and how you told it. Congratulations!
Lol this is definitely one of my pet peeves. I didn’t know there was a word for it, congrats on this humorous and frustrating top story
Congratulations on your Top Story
Excellent!!! I love it and congratulations on Top Story too!!!
Congratulations on your Top Story💯♥️🎉
Ha! Back to say congrats! Well-deserved. I think you should contact Webster to enter it for consideration. Lol but seriously, That should actually be part of the winners prize.