Friday word: Zugzwang

[med_cat]

Apologies for being late. I bring you a z-word:
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Zugzwang: in chess, a situation where one must make a move, but no matter what move one makes, it will weaken one's position.

I've seen it used figuratively in the last year or so, in reference to political decisions...

You can read more details on the original meaning in this article from Wikipedia

Comments

[theidolhands.livejournal.com]

UGH, I like that word. Good on you for finding that. What a great way to sum up the phrase, "Damned if you do and damned if you don't."

Just to double-check, how is it pronounced?

[med_cat]

Yeah, I saw it in political commentary articles (in Russian) over the past year or two; had to look it up. And yes, very expressive word, isn't it.

As to pronunciation, there appears to be some debate on the subject, see this video and comments:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liolF1UFfj8

[subsub1.livejournal.com]

Actually if used figuratively, 'Zugzwang' is used for a situation that forces you to make a decision, but it does not necessarily mean it will be a disadvantage (as it will be in chess). You just cannot not make a move (e.g. just wait for the outcome).

[med_cat]

OK, thanks for the info! :)