Jeninjir
A Thursday Prompt definition and usage
© 2025 by Walter Reimer

Thumbnail art by  marmelmm


Prompt: “Invent a word, then give its form, pronouncement, and definition in the same manner as a dictionary. After this is established, use the word in a paragraph or two for demonstration.”


JENINJIR (jeh-NIN-jir). Kashlanin. Describing the quality of being lonely, single, or apart. Roots are:
je (modifier prefix describing a variation on the subject)
nin (subject; the number one)
jir (modifier suffix describing a quality, similar to the English suffix -ness)

Usage:

Loneliness is a common problem in a highly advanced and technical society, but the Kashlani have historically been a very social race with a strong sense of community. There is an aphorism that reads Jeninjir aan’ druk (“Loneliness is a curse”), and shlani suffering from loneliness or are dissatisfied with solitude will actively and almost instinctively seek out groups to join based on shared goals or common tastes and preferences.

There are records of hermits in Kashlanin history, normally associated with religious sects such as the now-suppressed Dreamers (z’shifnheki) or various philosophical schools. Shlani who are deliberately apart from general society were historically regarded as aberrant, but are now encouraged to find common ground with others before the solitude causes mental health issues.