þagnarbindindi

Icelandic

Etymology

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

Noun

þagnarbindindi n

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.

See also

• þagnarskylda
• bindindismaður