If you make fun of poor people, you insult the God who made them. Nor do we take in observing or hearing about the misfortunes of others. Schadenfreude definition, satisfaction or pleasure felt at someone else's misfortune. Schadenfreude definition, satisfaction or pleasure felt at someone else's misfortune. An entertaining and insightful exploration of schadenfreude: the deliciously dark and complex joy we've all felt, from time to time.