I'm (not) offended!

As an American college student, there are two words that are integral to almost any conversation with my friends: "awkward" and "sketchy". I'm referring to these as defined by Urban Dictionary, since the definitions there are far more relevant (and informal) than those in any self-respecting OED. "Awkward" is fairly self-explanatory, referring to a socially embarrassing or uncomfortable situation. (As someone who's still getting the hang of the "social graces" part of Growing Up, this happens more often than you'd think.) "Sketchy" is more complicated - "something that doesn't feel right", "something unsafe", "iffy, questionable", "creepy", and "shady" are just some of the definitions given - but I've yet to come across a coherent description of the all the uncomfortable and well, awkward nuances that the word conveys.

One thing that has always bothered me about the Spanish language, however, is that there is no direct translation for either of these words. The closest I've gotten to "awkward" is incómodo (uncomfortable), or socialmente torpe (socially clumsy), both of which capture some but not enough of the original meaning. "Sketchy" is even more difficult to translate, and I'm not sure cuestionable is even a real word. "Creepy" is equivalent to espeluznante (hair-raising, literally), which again, doesn't do justice to the original meaning. So, why doesn't Spanish have a translation for these versatile, descriptive, and highly useful adjectives?

After discussing the matter with K and M, I have come to the conclusion that it probably has a lot to do with the Spanish culture, not just the Spanish language. Spaniards in general are much more open about their feelings, and have much smaller personal boundaries. They're also less afraid of offending other people, and less easily offended. Therefore, awkward situations just don't come up as often, and if they do then Spaniards are more likely to point it out and resolve it on the spot, rather than stay quiet and try to be diplomatic and politically correct. The same goes for "sketchy" situations, for example if Stranger A asked for an American's number in a bar, the American would likely reply with an awkward "um, ah ... I don't have a cell phone/[other transparent excuse]", and later tell stories of the sketchy Stranger who asked for his/her phone number. A Spaniard's reaction would probably just be "no, I don't know you", and that would be that.

This frankness is also reflected in the Spanish media. Since there is essentially no censorship or regulations about what can or cannot be shown on TV or published, anything goes. For example, yesterday's lunchtime news wrapped up with a segment on the "World's Best Bottoms Award" in Paris, with footage of the bikini-clad models walking down the runway in the competition. (Keep in mind this is a national TV station, broadcasting during the prime lunchtime hour.) I found it hilarious and frankly refreshing, but my flatmate E is now even more convinced that the US is superior to Spain. Ah, well.