When learning Swedish, understanding everyday language and slang can be just as important as grasping grammar and vocabulary. This guide will introduce you to some of the most commonly used Swedish slang and informal expressions that you might not find in your typical language textbook, but will certainly come in handy when interacting with native speakers.
Snut: A colloquial term for a police officer, similar to “cop” in English.
Var försiktig, jag såg en snut runt hörnet.
Fett: Literally means “fat,” but in slang, it’s used to say something is really good or cool.
Den där filmen var fett bra!
Soft: Used to describe something that is nice, easy, or comfortable. Similar to the English “chill.”
Vi kan bara ta det soft i kväll.
As: A prefix used to intensify the meaning of an adjective, akin to “super” or “really” in English.
Det är ascoolt att träffa dig!
Tjena: A casual greeting, equivalent to “hi” or “hey” in English.
Tjena! Hur mår du?
Pang på: Means to go about something with enthusiasm or to do something immediately.
Vi går pang på med projektet imorgon.
Najs: Borrowed from the English “nice,” used in the same contexts to express approval or satisfaction.
Det där lät najs, ska vi göra så?
Läget?: A common informal greeting that translates to “What’s up?” or “How’s it going?”
Hej! Läget?
Orka: Used to express a lack of energy or interest in doing something, similar to “can’t be bothered” in English.
Orka gå ut, det är ju så kallt!
Keff: Describes something that is substandard or of poor quality.
Maten var riktigt keff på den restaurangen.
Dissar: To reject or disrespect someone or something. Comes from the English “diss.”
Han dissar alltid mina idéer.
Skitbra: A seemingly paradoxical expression where “skit” (crap) intensifies “bra” (good) to mean something is really excellent.
Den här boken är skitbra, du måste läsa den!
CP: Stands for “centralplan,” used to describe something chaotic or messed up.
Allting är CP just nu på jobbet.
Balle: A somewhat vulgar slang term for testicles but used among youths to mean “cool” or “awesome.”
Det där spelet var helt balle!
Pes: Refers to money, similar to “bucks” in English.
Har du några pes att låna ut?
Röj: Refers to a party or a big, chaotic event.
Det var ett riktigt röj igår kväll!
Slänga en pizza: Literally “to throw a pizza,” this expression means to grab a pizza, typically implying a quick and informal meal.
Ska vi slänga en pizza efter filmen?
Tagga: Derived from “taggad,” meaning to be excited or pumped up for something.
Jag är så tagga inför konserten!
Seg: Describes something slow or sluggish, similar to the English “draggy.”
Den här datorn är seg, jag behöver en ny.
Chilla: Comes from the English “chill,” used to tell someone to relax or calm down.
Chilla, det löser sig.
Understanding these slang terms and informal expressions not only enriches your vocabulary but also helps you sound more like a native speaker. It’s crucial to listen to how these are used in context, which will help you grasp their nuances and appropriateness in different situations. Engage with local media, listen to Swedish music, and practice these expressions with native speakers to master the art of everyday Swedish conversation.
