Übermut

high spirits, exuberance, reckless boisterousness

noun UE-ber-moot Rare

Usage Note

Übermut describes a surplus of good cheer that tips into recklessness — the giddiness that leads to pranks or daring stunts. The German proverb Übermut tut selten gut (excessive high spirits rarely end well) is widely known.

Examples

"Aus purem Übermut sprangen die Jungs in den kalten Fluss."

Natural Translation

Out of sheer high spirits the boys jumped into the cold river.

Literal Translation

Out-of pure exuberance jumped the boys into the cold river.

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