Schadenfreude

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Schadenfreude is a German word with no precise equivalent in English which translates literally as damage (Schaden) and 'joy' (Freude.) The contextual meaning of the word is "Malicious enjoyment of others’ troubles or discomfort".

[edit] Schadenfreude and furry

Schadenfreude has been attributed in the furry fandom to explain the actions of some anti-furries and ruiners. While some people assert that calling most activities of satire and mockery Schadenfreude is taking them too seriously or personally, it has been pointed out that many feel it is usually appropriate to mock the actions of an individual and not the individual themselves.

Further, an observed danger of practicing enthusiastic Schadenfreude is that when mockery becomes unfactual - exaggerated, fabricated, confabulated - it reveals more about the prejudices of practitioner than the weakness of the intended victim.

Many people in furry fandom have claimed^{[citation needed]} much of the mockery directed at furry frequently crosses the line from looking at actions to personal attacks that often fabricate or distort facts, and believe^{[citation needed]} that such humor is a cover for personal vendettas and individuals with agendas or issues to bear.