Cat’s Cradle Terms

A karass is the Bokononist term for a group of people brought together to do God’s work—though the purpose of that work is not something they can ever be fully aware of. read analysis of Karass

Foma is the Bokononist term for lies “that make you brave and kind and healthy and happy.” Bokonon deems the entirety of his religion to be foma. read analysis of Foma

A wampeter is central element around which a karass is formed, which can be practically anything: “a tree, a rock, an animal, an idea, a book, a melody, the Holy Grail.” John believes ice-nine to… read analysis of Wampeter

This is what Bokononists say when they think about the complex and mind-boggling nature of existence. read analysis of Busy, busy, busy

This is the Bokononist term for someone who steers an individual away from a particular line of enquiry by setting an example of the kind of life that should not be led. read analysis of Wrang-wrang

A duprass is a karass consisting of only two people. read analysis of Duprass

This is the Bokononist term for a fake karass. That is, it denotes a grouping of people together that feels significant but is in fact meaningless in the grander scheme of things. read analysis of Granfalloon

This is the quasi-erotic Bokononist practice in which two individuals rub the soles of their feet together. This creates a “mingling” of awareness—and a pun on the words “sole” and “soul.” read analysis of Boko-maru

The Bokononist term for “fate—inevitable destiny.” read analysis of Zah-ma-ki-bo

This is the Bokononist term for the sun. read analysis of Borasisi

This is the Bokononist term for the moon. read analysis of Pabu

This is the Bokononist term for a possessive person who wants another to give them “all” of their love. read analysis of Sin-wat

The Bokononist term for “shit-storm.” read analysis of Pool-pah