There are many ways of transcribing and pronouncing this word that has no synonyms. The assonance with the term “hypochondria” can be relegated to an anatomical matter: in Greek, the word ypochondrios (meaning “under the ribs”) points to the precise spot where a pain was located, one due to deep discouragement, sadness, even depression.

In the Neapolitan dialect, appucundria goes beyond the purely negative or physical aspect, adding a sweetness of soul that is very difficult to explain in words. Some will tell you that it’s a shade of melancholy or regret, someone else may define it as despondency or resignation, stripped of its mournful connotation. Appucundria is all of this, a mix of feelings of a nostalgic nature that you try to welcome as a bittersweet gift.