Learning a new language often involves more than just grasping grammar and vocabulary; it also encompasses understanding everyday colloquialisms and slang. Swedish, like any other language, has its own set of slang words and phrases that can be perplexing for learners. Here’s a guide to some common Swedish slang words and phrases that will help you sound more like a native.
Asgarva
This phrase literally means “to laugh hysterically.” It’s used when something is very funny.
Jag asgarvade så mycket att jag grät!
Tjena
A casual way of saying “hello” or “hi.” It’s very informal and mostly used among young people.
Tjena! Hur mår du?
Fett
Translates to “fat,” but in slang, it means “cool” or “awesome.” It’s used to describe something that is very good.
Den där filmen var verkligen fett!
Soft
Means “nice,” “cool,” or “chill.” It can describe a situation, person, or object that is pleasant or relaxed.
Vi hade det soft på festen igår.
Orka
This word is used to express a lack of energy or motivation to do something. It’s akin to saying “I can’t be bothered.”
Orka plugga, jag vill bara sova!
Pang på
Means “right away” or “immediately.” It’s used to describe something that happens very quickly.
När klockan ringde sprang han pang på ut ur huset.
Keff
Used to describe something that is of poor quality or disappointing.
Maten var riktigt keff på den där restaurangen.
Najs
A direct borrowing from the English “nice,” used in the same way to express approval or satisfaction.
Det var najs att ses igen!
Balla
To chill or relax, often used in the imperative form as a suggestion.
Vi borde balla lite och titta på en film.
Slänga en pizza
Literally translates to “throw a pizza,” it means to quickly grab or eat a pizza.
Jag är hungrig, ska vi slänga en pizza?
Tagga
Means to get excited or pumped up for something. It often precedes activities or events.
Tagga för festen ikväll!
CP
An abbreviation for “centralplan,” but slang for anything that is chaotic or disorganized.
Det är helt CP här just nu!
Disa
To ignore or reject someone. It can also mean not living up to expectations.
Han bara disade mig helt igår.
Flamsa
To act silly or goofy.
Sluta flamsa, vi måste vara seriösa nu!
Gött
A Gothenburg slang that means “good” or “nice.” It is often used to express pleasure.
Ah, vad gött med en ledig dag!
Pes
Short for “depressing.” Used to describe something that is sad or disappointing.
Vilket pes väder vi har idag.
Skitbra
Literally translates to “shit good,” but it means “really good” or “excellent.”
Din nya bil är skitbra!
Äga
Means “to own,” but in slang, it is used to say that someone excels at something or “rules.”
Du äger på att spela gitarr!
Käka
Means “to eat.” It is a more informal term.
Ska vi käka något snabbt innan filmen?
Understanding and using these common Swedish slang words and phrases can significantly enhance your conversational skills and help you better assimilate into Swedish culture. Whether chatting with friends or trying to grasp the context in movies or music, knowing these slang terms will surely give you an edge in your language learning journey.
