• Angst (the noun): You should know this one. It's basically something along the lines of depression, anger, glumness, and basic all-around dark, negative feelings. It's often associated with Generation X.
• Angst (the verb): Yup, that's right, it's a verb too. This refers to experiencing the feeling of angst, though not always on the most depressing level possible. Sometimes synonymous with 'fret', i.e. 'What are you angsting about?'
• Angstful: This refers to experiencing a moderate/medium level of angst; the most common angst adjective.
• Angstenseful: A cross between feeling tense, nervous, etc. and angstful.
• Angst-ridden: This is the ultimate level of angst one can experience. Someone who is angst-ridden is in really bad shape.

Note: A Disclaimer on Pronunciation

Real dictionaries often show angst being pronounced so that the 'a' sound is like the 'o' in 'ox' However, it is also often (espeicially in modern times) pronounced with a long 'a' like in the word 'day,' which is also how I pronounce it. Pronouncing it the first way sounds more like an aristocratic angst, but since the majority of people who actually experience angst aren't aristocratic, I believe the second way is more appropriate. You can make your own choice, of course, but while reading my page, realize that I'm referring to it with a long 'a.'

But anyways...

Me, I personally find angst fascinating. I don't let it get me down...well, most of the time that is. Don't get me wrong; I'll wear flannel just as much as the next Generation X'er, but c'mon people, sometimes we take ourselves just a little too seriously. So, in order to show us all the lighter side of angst, I've written these two songs to help lighten us up a bit:

Can You Feel the Angst Tonight?

There's a tragic feeling
At the end of the day
I think I'll smoke a few more cloves
And then just waste away
Who is left to lead us?
Without blessed Kurt
It's enough to make me want
To burn my flannel shirt

And can you feel the angst tonight?
It is where we are
It's enough for Generation X
To have got this far...

Let's go to the coffeeshop
Espresso's in my veins
Funny how over-priced caffeine
Is all that keeps me sane
I'll lace up tight my Converse
And maybe dress in black
I know that I'm alternative
As I smoke another pack

And can you feel the angst tonight?
It is where we are.
It's enough for Generation X
To have got this far...

Look at what they've left us
Our future's out of sight
You'd be pale and tragic too
After all, reality bites
Grunge is what unites us
We're original as a mass
Education or a job?
Sorry, I think I'll pass

And can you feel the angst tonight?
It is where we are.
It's enough for Generation X
To have got this far...

It's enough for Generation X
To have got this far...

But wait, there's more...

Smells Like Angst Spirit

Load up on angst
And bring your black
It's fun to smoke
Another pack
We're unemployed
Our future's bleak
Oh no, I know
My coffee's weak...

It's angst, It's angst, It's angst, It's angst
It's angst, It's angst, It's angst, It's angst
With the flannel on
We perspire more
We're Generation X
But we're still hard core
Yeah...

I'm worse at what
I do best
But my jeans are ripped
Like all the rest
Espresso rocks
Snapple's ok
And I know Elvis lives
With Kurt Cobain...

It's angst, It's angst, It's angst, It's angst
It's angst, It's angst, It's angst, It's angst
With the flannel on
We perspire more
We're Generation X
But we're still hard core
Yeah...

A Fruitopia
And Nirvana,
Lollapalooza
Kalapalooza,
Yeah...

That was just a warm-up! Here's even more angst...

Ok, an important thing to realize about angst is that it doesn't have to always be because of big, intangible life-or-death things. I mean, we could all sit around in our flannels (which of course haven't been washed in over 6 months) lamenting over how life sucks, the world sucks, etc. But c'mon, is it really worth it to get so worked up about those kind of things? Isn't it just melodrama? It's one thing to be upset about something particular that you can pinpoint and maybe see about changing, but it's another to pick some cosmic cause that you can't really even put a finger on to find a specific problem or solution. So if you're going to angst, angst over REAL things...

Richelle's Top Ten List of Most Angstful Things

1. Moths
2. Getting up early/Not getting enough sleep
3. Subway Restaurants that don't have Pizza Subs on the menu--How are we supposed to know how much they cost?
4. People that drive down the turning lane
5. Living in a dorm that averages 1 fire alarm 'wake-up call' per week.
6. Movie previews that show the entire movie
7. 'What do you want to do?' 'I don't know; what do you want to do?'
8. Realizing you're going to be 5'2'' for the rest of your life.
9. Ordering food that still has tomatoes on it, even after you specifically asked to have them removed.
10. Waiting on dysfunctional people in a restaurant drive-thru that think you're the one with a problem.

Now, if you simply can't give up the big, depressing view of life and are convinced there's no way things could be worse, just remember that yes, they could be. Lots and lots of people have it much worse. They have cause to angst. And you...you're sitting at a net browser right now. Why, there are some people who (gasp) have never even heard of the internet!

So, the lesson to be learned here is that, as contradictory as it may seem, you have to always keep the big picture of angst in mind (i.e., others' angst), but don't get carried away by it! If you can exploit your angst and revel in it, then truly, there shall be nothing you can not conquer...

If you now think that you're an Angst-Expert, then you'd best click HERE to take the offical test!

But just in case...

• The Rendezvous Cafe
• Amer's
• Espresso Royale
• Cava Java

Happy Caffeine Intaking! If coffee's not enough check out these links, the most angstful part being that of four, only one works any more:

• A Comic Strip called Cafe Angst

Back to Richelle's Homepage.

Last updated: July 1, 1998