angst

Angst -- From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Angst is a Dutch, German, and Scandinavian word for fear or anxiety. It is used in English to describe an intense feeling of emotional strife.
A different but related meaning is attributed to Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard (1813–1855). Kierkegaard used the word angst (Danish, meaning "dread") to describe a profound and deep-seated spiritual condition of insecurity and despair in the free human being. Where the animal is a slave to its God-given instincts but always confident in its own actions, Kierkegaard believed that the freedom given to mankind leaves the human in a constant fear of failing its responsibilities to God. Kierkegaard's concept of angst is considered to be an important stepping stone for 20th-century existentialism.
While Kierkegaard's feeling of angst is fear of actual responsibility to God, in modern use, angst is broadened to include general frustration associated with the conflict between actual responsibilities to self, one's principles, and others (possibly including God). Still, the angst in alternative music may be more accessible to most audiences than existentialism. The term "angst" is now widely used with a negative and derisive connotation that mocks the expression of a common adolescent experience of malaise; in this sense it has become one of the most debased words in the current vocabulary.
Angst in subculture stereotyping
Sometimes, the term is used derisively to refer to members of the "goth" or "emo" subcultures who may seem to be in competition with each other as to who can give the most "tragic" account of his or her circumstances. These sorts of perceptions can produce a backlash in the general public, who accuse the members of the subculture of exaggerating the normal frustrations of life to ridiculous extremes in an attempt to elicit pity and make excuses for their situation. Thus, the description of such a person as "angst-ridden" may involve a note of sarcasm. Similar negative characterizations have been made of other subcultures, such as the "Beat Generation", the grunge rock movement, and various literary and artistic movements.
The term is also sometimes used to negatively stereotype the very wealthy and well-to-do, with the implication being that angst (and occasionally ennui) are the only problems that they face as they mull over things that only concern themselves. For example: "Of course, my money solves the problems that you face daily, and I don't have to subject myself to the backbreaking labor that you do every day, but you mustn't think I live a life of ease. I suffer from such terrible angst!"
A feeling of anxiety or apprehension often accompanied by depression.
A troubled or anxious state of mind: anxiety, anxiousness, care, concern, disquiet, disquietude, distress, nervousness, solicitude, unease, uneasiness, worry. See feelings.