Plachka

Plachka (плачка) is a Bulgarian word with multiple meanings, primarily related to crying, weeping, or expressing sorrow. Its specific connotation can vary depending on context.

• Noun: As a noun, "plachka" refers to a female professional mourner, particularly in traditional Bulgarian culture. These women were hired to weep and lament at funerals, providing a heightened display of grief for the deceased. Their performances were often elaborate and emotionally charged, drawing upon established rituals and customs. The practice of hiring "plachki" reflects a cultural emphasis on publicly expressing mourning and honoring the dead.

• Verb-related form: The word is related to the verb "placha" (плача), which means "to cry" or "to weep." Therefore, "plachka" can also be interpreted in contexts implying something that causes crying, or a crying session. While not a direct verbal form itself, it is closely tied to the act of weeping.

The role of the "plachka" is diminishing in modern Bulgarian society, but it remains a significant part of the country's cultural heritage and funerary traditions. The term itself may still be used to describe someone who cries readily or excessively, although this usage may carry a negative or humorous connotation.