þagnarbindindi

Icelandic

Etymology

From þögn +‎ bindindi, literally “a period of abstinence in which one keeps silent”.

Noun

þagnarbindindi n (genitive singular þagnarbindindis, no plural)

1. a temporary vow of silence, a period in which a person or a group intentionally does not utter a single word, quiet time (in a classroom)

Usage notes

Often used by elementary school teachers ("Einn, tveir, og þagnarbindindi!" – "Everybody, a period of complete silence in one, two, and ...") in order to turn staying silent into a game.

Declension

Declension of þagnarbindindi (sg-only neuter, based on bindindi)

	singular
	indefinite	definite
nominative	þagnarbindindi	þagnarbindindið
accusative	þagnarbindindi	þagnarbindindið
dative	þagnarbindindi	þagnarbindindinu
genitive	þagnarbindindis	þagnarbindindisins

See also

• þagnarskylda
• bindindismaður