Panglossian

[pan-GLOSS-ee-uhn]
Popcast Phonetic: “pan-GLOSS-see-yan” — said with the unwavering optimism of someone insisting the pizza is “perfectly rustic” after it hit the floor.
Phonetic (Standard) IPA: (Insert something about beer here)

adjective — absurdly optimistic; believing everything is working out exactly as it should, even when the popcorn is burnt and the Wi-Fi is down.

EXPLANATION

To be Panglossian is to smile straight through chaos. It’s Ted Lasso optimism during a losing season, or the friend who calls a cinematic disaster “bold storytelling” while everyone else is vituperating (the act of taking vitamins for recuperation purposes) and reaching for snacks. It’s hope with blinders — and somehow, it’s still charming.

ORIGIN

1759, from Voltaire’s Candide, named after Dr. Pangloss, who famously believed we live in “the best of all possible worlds.” A belief formed long before airline delays, streaming glitches, unevenly sliced pizza, and movie reboots.

EXAMPLE

Even after the movie froze, the pizza arrived cold, and the popcorn burned, she remained Panglossian, calling it “a perfect cozy night.” while the kitchen was ablaze during the winter storm.

HOW TO USE

Use Panglossian when someone is smiling through obvious disaster — calm, upbeat, and convinced everything is fine — while everyone else quietly stares at the screen, grabs more popcorn, and wonders how they got here, why they are here, and who the hell invited them.