gesaust

Gesaust is a neologism used in German-language discourse to describe events or phenomena marked by rapid, whizzing movement or passage. The term is built from the verb sausen, meaning to rush or speed along, with a prefix and form that allow gesaust to function as an adjective or, less commonly, as a metaphorical noun. In contemporary usage, gesaust conveys a sense of velocity and momentum that overwhelms attention or reaction.

Etymology and usage notes

Gesaust is not part of standard dictionaries but appears in media commentary, linguistic discussions, and online discourse as a vivid descriptor for fast-moving urban dynamics, crowds, traffic, weather, or the pace of information and news. It is typically employed in a figurative sense, though it can also describe literal speed. Common constructions include phrases like das Gesauste der Straßen oder das Gesauste der Nachrichten, where the term evokes a continuous, almost overwhelming flow.

Domains and reception

The term is most often found in journalism, cultural critique, and discussions about contemporary communication. It tends to appear in informal or semi-formal registers and is used to impart a sense of immediacy or disruption without specifying exact metrics. Critics note that gesaust, while evocative, can be vague or stylistically flashy if applied too broadly, and it remains a playful coinage rather than a technical term.

See also

Sausen; Rasen; Vorbeisausen (related verbs describing rapid movement)