Our second challenge to our Berghs School of Communication advertising exchange students was to give us their impressions, as relatively new to Stockholm, of what they’ve encountered as typically Swedish. They got so excited by this brief that they broke off into two groups to attack the challenge from different angles.
First up is a sort of visitors manual for newcomers. Swedish words are hard to spell, so we’ve allowed our students some leeway. In addition, for those of you who don’t speak Swedish, these might be the first words you’ll be hearing pop out of the brick wall of language before long. Just like our students. Get ready to blend in.
Smultronstället (smultr•on|ställ•et) – a wonderfully hidden place. Literally, a place where you find wild strawberries. Which you can always have with your princess cake and fika (see below).
Mysa (my`sa) – to chill, be cozy, content
Snus – a particularly Swedish habit. Tobacco in small bags you place under your lip for your nicotine fix. Not for the faint-hearted.
Fika (fi`ka) – the all-important Swedish coffee (or tea) break. Equally important with tilltugg/snack…preferably a bulle/cinnamon bun.
Lagom (la`gom) – neither too much nor too little…you know…Goldilocks
Blåsväder (blås|väder) – sometimes, despite your best efforts to the contrary, you end up in “windy weather”/hot water. Take a deep breath.
