The Allure of Old Words and the Peculiarities of New Ones
Lists hold a peculiar fascination. Whether it’s the annual release of tax declaration deadlines, the eagerly awaited rankings of popular baby names, or the intriguing unveiling of newly coined words, lists capture public attention and spark conversations. The latter, in particular, generates a sense of anticipation, prompting us to wonder how many new additions have entered the lexicon and which ones have already infiltrated our everyday discourse. While the sheer number of neologisms – 32 in the previous year – can be impressive, it’s the resonance and adoption of these words that truly matters. Often, many of these linguistic newcomers fade into obscurity, never truly finding a place in common parlance.
This resistance to adopting new terminology might stem from a certain reverence for established words. While embracing linguistic evolution is essential, there’s a natural inclination to favor familiar expressions. Take, for instance, the recent trend of using "fett bra" (literally "fat good") to signify something positive. The logic behind this association remains puzzling, especially given the often negative connotations of "fat," particularly after indulging in festive meals. The appeal of such expressions seems ephemeral, lacking the timeless quality of older vocabulary.
The beauty of established words lies in their inherent elegance and evocative power. Words like "bedårande" (adorable) and "snofsig" (posh) possess a certain charm that seems absent in contemporary equivalents. “Sjangdobel” (stylish), an antiquated term, evokes a sense of formality and sophistication that surpasses the more commonplace “stilig.” These older words, while less frequent in modern usage, hold a unique appeal, adding depth and nuance to communication.
The devaluation of seemingly ordinary words also presents a linguistic puzzle. "Vardags" (everyday), a perfectly functional term, often carries a dismissive connotation. The phrase "det duger till vardags" (it’s good enough for everyday use) implies a lower standard of acceptability, relegating something to the mundane. Similarly, in sports commentary, the frequent use of "till vardags" to describe a player’s regular club activities seems misplaced, considering that many matches occur on weekends. This casual misapplication of the term further contributes to its perceived insignificance.
The idiosyncratic language of sports commentary offers another example of peculiar word choices. The phrase "det är bara att lyfta på hatten" (it’s only fitting to tip one’s hat), often used to acknowledge a player’s exceptional performance, feels anachronistic in a time when hats are rarely worn. It begs the question: why not embrace a more contemporary expression? A fresh, relevant alternative would be a welcome addition to the lexicon and readily adopted by those who appreciate linguistic innovation.
This exploration of words, both old and new, underscores the dynamic nature of language. While neologisms emerge and fade, established words retain their enduring power, enriching our communication with their nuanced meanings and evocative charm. The challenge lies in striking a balance between embracing linguistic evolution and preserving the timeless elegance of established vocabulary. Perhaps, as new expressions emerge, we can rediscover the beauty of older words, integrating them into our modern discourse and appreciating the richness they bring to our language.
