Understanding something not in English

The Danish word hyygeligt (hygge), that currently seems to be in vogue in the English language, is difficult to understand. Sometimes knowing what the opposite means gives it a better sense of its meaning.

Consider this recent newspaper headline:
Coronakrisen er et uhyggeligt varsel om en verden i klimakrise.
TRANSLATION
The COVID crises is a sinster and grisly omen about the world’s climate crisis.

Think about its opposite, uhyggeligt, which means anything from cheerless through to sinister to downright shocking and grisly. Having a hyggeligt time is social nirvana in Denmark. Candlelight is something used to encourage a hyggeligt atmosphere.

Author: tinfoiling

Mastodon

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