DEFINITION: n. An incomplete sneeze; starts with a nose tickle, followed by a sharp intake of breath, but then it vanishes, leaving only a vague sense of incompletion. v. To start a sneeze, but never actually finish it.

Gesundhalt

Created by: mrskellyscl

Pronunciation: geh-zund-halt

Sentence: Sue abruptly stopped her performance and stood perfectly still, staring straight ahead with a contorted look on her face. Her breathing became labored and everyone in the audience thought she may be having a seizure. After several anxious seconds she regained her composure and said, "Excuse me, I must have had a sneeze freeze." Someone in the crowd yelled, "Gesundhalt!" and the whole place erupted with laughter.

Etymology: gesundheit: an expression to wish someone good health who has just sneezed arising from an ancient belief that your heart stopped while you sneezed and at that moment the devil could come and take over your soul + halt: stop or interrupt progress

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