But not exactly the opposite of anhedonia, kind of.
What is the word for “taking pleasure in doing something that you do well”?
I always think of this mystery word when I am doing my homework, rocking out on some physics problems, getting them right and enjoying myself immensely in the process.
Disclaimer: I am 95% sure that this word actually exists. I think I read it in a book about animal behavior. It is a psychology-type word, rather than the kind of word you encounter in every day conversation (like anhedonia, rather than apathy).
EDIT: Well, on second thought, that would be abnormally large amounts of pleasure being derived from something. Do you mean the normal satisfaction of a job well-done?
I don’t think so. I don’t know what the answer is, but I’m sure that’s not it. It doesn’t fit the criteria in the OP. Plus, strong feelings of joy in doing something you are good at and doing it well are not abnormal.
I’m seeing lots of derivatives of “hedonia” in this thread. Anhedonia means without pleasure. Hyperhedonia means too much pleasure, etc. Why not just say “hedonia” and be done with it?
For me, when I’m pleased to be doing something that I do well, I call it “satisfaction.” No, I really don’t think that’s the word you want either.
No, it’s not unusually large amounts of pleasure -just regular pleasure- and it’s not from a job well-done, it’s from the actual act of doing the whatever-it-is that you are good at. Also, what Q.E.D. said.
I dont think “nikhedonia” is right either (but thank you Colibri for the suggestion).
mwbrooks, I could just say satisfaction, but I have had this word on the tip of my tongue for months now and would like to remember what it is. I dont want to be done with it until I have found this word again.
love
yams!!
Well, “hed” is in the root of anhedonia, so why not hedonism? It typically carries the connotation of indulgence, but ultimately, I believe it’s rooted in a Greek philosophy focused on doing what feels good…
Other suggestions: being full of yourself. Used in a sentence: “yeah, when yams is doing physics problems he gets really full of himself.”
Seriously, if there was ever a word made up for this, it’d be a waste of language. In the rare case you want to make a point of it you’d just use two words together. It’s a tautology. In fact in a movie, if a character wants to express that emotion he doesn’t even need to say what emotion he’s feeling. He just gives a look and says “yeah, i’m good” .
Btw, the mnemonic for the above smiley is “cool”. Hmm… there should be a concrete word for that emotion (ie… besides “feeling gangsta”). And I guess it’d be the perfect word for you.
rev·el Audio Help /ˈrɛvəl/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[rev-uhl] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation verb, -eled, -el·ing or (especially British) -elled, -el·ling, noun
–verb (used without object) 1. to take great pleasure or delight (usually fol. by in): to revel in luxury.
2. to make merry; indulge in boisterous festivities.
–noun 3. boisterous merrymaking or festivity; revelry.
4. Often, revels. an occasion of merrymaking or noisy festivity with dancing, masking, etc.
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