wstydu

Wstyd is a Polish noun that denotes the feeling of shame or social embarrassment. The form wstydu is its genitive singular, and it appears in constructions that require a genitive object, such as bez wstydu (without shame) or brak wstydu (a lack of shame). It can also occur after numerals or adjectives that govern the genitive.

Etymology and cognates: Wstyd belongs to the common Slavic heritage for the concept of shame. It is cognate with related terms in other Slavic languages, such as Russian стыд, and shares a historical development across the family. The word is firmly established in standard Polish and is used across registers.

Semantics and usage: Wstyd covers both personal embarrassment and a broader sense of social propriety or moral disapproval. It may stem from an internal sense of failing to meet norms or from the perception of others’ judgment. The verb wstydzić się means to feel ashamed, while wstydzić (transitive) can mean to shame someone or to evoke embarrassment in another. The adjective wstydliwy describes something that is shameful or delicate/sensitive to discuss, for example a wstydliwy temat.

Cultural context: In Polish discourse, wstyd functions as a social regulator, guiding behavior through expectations of decency and respect. A healthy sense of wstyd can support social norms, whereas excessive or misplaced wstyd may hinder open discussion or candid communication.