Torschlusspanik

English
WOTD – 9 December 2008

Etymology

Borrowed from German Torschlusspanik (literally “gate-shut panic”). The German meaning is more general.

Pronunciation
  • (UK) IPA(key): /ˈtɔː.ʃlʊsˌpæn.ɪk/
  • (US) IPA(key): /ˈtɔɹ.ʃlʊsˌpæn.ɪk/
  • Audio (US)(file)

Noun

Torschlusspanik (uncountable)

  1. The fear that time is running out to act, often regarding a life goal or opportunity.
    • 1988, Brendan Brown, Monetary Chaos in Europe‎, Croom Helm, page 251:
      But how effective could such actions be against Torschlusspanik — a flight to the exit by investors convinced that a moratorium and exchange restrictions would soon be imposed?
    • 1989, H. L. Wesseling, British and Dutch Imperialism: A Comparison', in Itinerario, 13(1)61-76:
      It is something very different from the Torschlusspanik or annexation fever of the colonial have not’s that was so typical for most of the other imperialists.
    • 1990, Brigitte H. Schutz, “The Future of German-German Relations”, in German Studies Review, volume 13:
      In a Torschlusspanik waves of GDR citizens sought to leave the country before the dreaded — and fully expected — crackdown by the SED leadership would occur.
    • 2004, Edward W. Plaisted, Terror in Berlin:
      It was Margit who made him aware of Torschlusspanik—the rush to escape East Germany before the authorities took action.

Translations

German

Alternative forms
  • Torschlußpanik (old spelling)

Etymology

Literally, “gate-shut panic” — for safety reasons city gates used to be shut at nightfall (Torschluss, from Tor +‎ Schluss), leaving latecomers no other choice than to stay outside, thereby exposing them to various dangers.

Pronunciation
  • IPA(key): /toːɐ̯ʃlʊsˈpaːnɪk/

Noun

Torschlusspanik f (genitive Torschlusspanik, no plural)

  1. Torschlusspanik (the fear that time is running out to act)
    Torschlusspanik ist ein schlechter Ratgeber.
    Torschlusspanik is a bad advisor.
    Die Torschlusspanik der Midlife-Krise hat schon manchen gesetzten Herren in die Arme einer Jüngeren getrieben und damit viele Ehen zerstört.
    Midlife-crisis-induced Torschlusspanik has driven quite a few middle-aged men into the arms of young women, wrecking countless marriages.

See also
  • Midlife-Krise

Further reading
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