[Tlhingan-hol] Klingon Word of the Day: qajunpaQ

[Steven Boozer]

> Klingon Word of the Day for Thursday, October 16, 2014
> 
> Klingon word: qajunpaQ
> Part of speech: noun
> Definition: courage, audacity

KGT 10f.:  For example, {qajunpaQ} (courage, audacity) comes from *kajunpakt*, a word used in this sense but literally meaning something like "glowing lava" or "fiery lava" in a language originally spoken on Krios. In Klingon, it implies courage of a rather surprising or unexpected kind, perhaps even recklessness, as opposed to {toDuj} (courage, bravery), which is more neutral. Some Klingon speakers preserve the original pronunciation, though most fall into the more usual Klingon phonetic pattern. Probably very few Klingons are even vaguely aware of the original connection of *kajunpakt* with lava, glowing or otherwise. The Klingon word for lava, {vaHbo'}, has nothing to do with *kajunpakt*.

"You speak of courage. Obviously you do not know the difference between courage and foolhardiness." (Kor, TOS "Errand of Mercy")

Cf. the {vIttlhegh}:

  butlh ghajbogh nuv'e' yIHo' 
  Admire the person with dirt under his fingernails. 

TKW 142:  The Klingon word {butlh} (dirt under fingernails) can be taken literally, but in this expression it means something like effrontery, impudence, brazenness.

KGT 113-15:  The idiom, referring to strength of character, may be used in sentences such as {vaj Duj DachIj} ("You navigate a warrior ship"--that is, "You have strength of character") or {vaj Duj chIjbe'} ("He/she does not navigate a warrior ship"--that is, "He/she lacks strength of character").

SEE ALSO:
jaq 		be bold
jeQ 		be self-confident
yoH 		be brave
nguq 		be arrogant, be haughty, be conceited



--
Voragh
Ca'Non Master of the Klingons