Kitchn is a source of inspiration for a happier, healthier life in your kitchen. But as writer Anna Altman aptly noted, all the encouragements toward superior handicrafts and Scandinavian design, the accounts of daily fireside gatherings and freshly baked pastries assume a certain level of material wealth and an abundance of leisure time. But how do you actually host a hygge gathering? It turns out, I was (embarrassingly) mistaken. Some have described it as a Nordic zen, which is an apt comparison, says Johansen. Hygge is decor, it's a sense of fashion, but it's also the idea of being genuinely happy in the environment you create for yourself at home, and offering that same hospitality and warmth to loved ones. So maybe there is a right way to do it. Banquette bank-ETT; an upholstered bench against a wall. It has no literal translation and can instead be defined by feelings and moments. Faux bois FOH-bwa; A painted pattern meant to look like wood grain, from the French "fake wood.". How to use a word that (literally) drives some pe Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference. Look, furniture shopping is hard enoughwill that sofa fit in that space? She is also the founder of Foodie Underground. 2022 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus. Divan DEEV-ahn; a low sofa without either a back or arms (sometimes similar to a daybed). (English pronunciations of hygge from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus and from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary, both sources Cambridge University Press), the last stage in a game of chess when only a few of the pieces are left on the board, Keeping an open mind and opening your heart: useful phrases with open. Here it goes: The correct way to pronounce hygge is hoo-gah.. No phones and computers allowed in those magical moments. ", About mid-20th century, the Danish word hygge (pronounced something like \HEW-guh\) began appearing in English writing, as a noun and adjective, to refer to cozy and comfortable surroundings that invoke an inner sense of contentment or well-being. If youre not Danish, Hygge can be a tad bit difficult to pronounce. It's a sense of being a kind of calm approach to life that encourages us to switch gears from fast and furious to cool, calm, and collected, no matter the circumstance.

In fact, there's something for everyone in the lifestyle, and I think we could all benefit from the bigger picture here. I mean, seriously, can you believe that!? Simple changes such as ensuring there are enough chairs around a table make a big difference. "It's about making sure people are welcomed right away, with something to eat and drink, unless you've invited them to help you cook." It's about gathering together and finding fellowship in our imperfect humanity. In the last year alone, almost a dozen books related to hygge have been published, including The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well, Scandinavian Comfort Food: Embracing the Art of Hygge, and Fika and Hygge: Comforting Cakes and Bakes From Scandinavia with Love.

But once you find out the true meaning of hygge, everything is beautiful and nothing hurts again. Its somewhere between hoo-gah and hue-gah (try puckering your lips while you say it). Danes created hygge because they were trying to survive boredom, cold, dark and sameness.

Going for a hygge style in your home but can't work up the courage to utter the term to your designer? Michelle Dozois explains that term in her December 7, 2017 article in The New York Times: When you're settling in for a hygge evening, everything you're wearing should be comfortable. Creating a hyggelifestyle encompasses a variety of areas beyond home design, just as your home's design can completely improve the way you live. it's not a chaise "lounge." It literally only requires consciousness, a certain slowness, and the ability to not just be present but recognize and enjoy the present. Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz! You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. As a Nordic country, Denmark has mild summers, but the weather in winter regularly dips down below freezing, with very short periods of sunlight. If you haven't already done so, we encourage you to add hygge to your living space with some candles, blankets, and anything else that will provide comfortand then have a hygge get-together. Did your mouth drop? Anna Brones is a writer and the author of The Culinary Cyclist and Fika: The Art of the Swedish Coffee Break. Speaking of warmth, there's nothing quite like a flickering flame to make a place feel like home. Hygge House is a true passion project which means there are no sponsored posts or advertising. 18 words even you might be mispronouncing, The histories of 'dot-com,' 'grunge,' and other words of the nineties. Some quintessentiallyhygge elements are below. Every item on this page was hand-picked by a House Beautiful editor. In December, sunset can come as early as 3 pm, leaving plenty of time for indoor pursuits. Unlike most trends that fall to the wayside in a matter of months, I don't expect hygge to lose its appeal anytime soon. The concept of hygge surged into American media around 2016. Life Coach Tips On: How To Add More Hygge to Your Home & Life. It's not about making sure everything is perfect. It also implies a sense of community and togetherness. "You need candles," advises [Trine] Hahnemann. Mind blown, we know. Design lingo can be as straightforward as sofa, carpet, lamp and wallpaper. You cant buy a hygge living room and there are no hygge foods to eat. This content is imported from poll. It's also often used as an adjective meaning "cozy or comfortable. It's because Danes make it a point to find joy in the little things. Add ${headword} to one of your lists below, or create a new one. Today, were tackling a handful of decorating terms that are frequently mispronounced, tapping brave volunteers to take their best guesses as how to properly pronounce the precarious words they are offered, and also surmise their meaning. Got a tip, kitchen tour, or other story our readers should see? The Danish word carries a similar meaning, and the Danes borrowed it from Norwegian, where it has the meaning of "comfort" and "coziness.". Fear not: We've got you covered. Whether youre always up for learning something new or youre pretty sure youre going to ace this and want to feel smug for a minute, see how you do guessing the pronunciation and meaning behind these terms. But how does one achievehygge? Chaise Longue CHEZ long (NOT lounge); an chair with an elongated seat. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Hygge is created when you do things together. Slow down. CANVAS ON DEMAND is a registered trademark of Circle Graphics, Inc. Because hygge isnt about selling and buying, its about living. Venture outdoors for a long walk with nature. Ole Henriksen, quoted in Vogue (Australia), 12 Aug. 2018, Hygge is a way of living, and a way of being together and really connecting with people. Hygge isnt about things; its a state of mind. Fika and Hygge: Comforting Cakes and Bakes From Scandinavia with Love, Fika: The Art of the Swedish Coffee Break. The term was officially entered into the Oxford English Dictionary in 2017, where it was defined as a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being. It's because they put health first, and indulgence at a close second. In these scenes, the fire and candles are traditional elements in establishing hygge. Its about stepping back from the hectic pace of modern living and looking after ourselves; about savoring the small moments of joy and contentedness we experience in life., Theres no right way to hygge (pronounced hoo-gah). Trompe lOeil TROMP-loy; an optical illusion of 3d on a 2d surface, from the French "trick the eye. For example, who really knows how to pronounce hygge IRL besides, you know, Scandinavians? a French word we all know and love to use). The style, known as hygge, was adopted from Denmark and began taking the United States by storm last year. Other than that, your guess is as good as mine as to how Scandinavians decided any of this was OK. It can be anything from coming together over small celebrations during midwinter to going skiing for a day and then tucking into a delicious feast.. Words We're Watching talks about words we are increasingly seeing in use but that have not yet met our criteria for entry. Shop online today to explore all of the options you can choose for your home. Delving more into the term's definition as it relates to "moments" and "feelings," the act of enjoying the simple things in life is supremelyhygge. Etagre AY-taj-air; a set of open shelving. Navigate to content in this page, Accessibility Assistance, opens A D A page. Its a common hashtag on Instagram. Hygge is simple, its just the awareness of it that can seem hard to an outsider. There is a total of two letters that make sense in this entire enunciation. Occasions infused with hygge might also require putting on some fuzzy slippers and wearing your hyggebukser. They incorporate hygge into their daily life, so it becomes a natural extension rather than a forced and stressful event. This simple explanation works when you only have 140 characters to express yourself, but once you understand the concept in greater detail, youll get a lot more out of it. There are actual hygge candles (you know, instead of regular candles), and you dont have to do much Googling to find listicles of how best to create the hygge home with assorted Scandinavian-themed interior accents. But without an ear for romance languages, its easy to get tongue tied when navigating the more complicated waters of design terminology. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! Tohyggewith friends is also a way to bond and uplift others as you connect over wholesome food and feel-good drinks. Such a loose term can seem unattainable. Take a moment to truly enjoy your morning coffee. Over the last several years, the word hygge has become more and more prevalent on social media, and in the news.

Hygge really resonates with people for that reason: its a gentle, restorative way of living that doesnt require spending money, and as such is a really democratic way of being. What's clear from these photos is that while some people may understand hygge on the surface, gaining a deeper understanding requires a bit more work.

Read my FAQ for more information on my favourite places in Copenhagen, personal, site and camera details, my policies about blogging, my homes and my dog. The word in the example sentence does not match the entry word. Over the last several years, the word hygge has become more and more prevalent on social media, and in the news. Long a staple of daily Scandinavian life, hygge has recently taken on global proportions. Life is fast, andhyggereminds you that it doesn't always have to be so fleeting. Well, friends, Im here to tell you firsthand that this technique is so, so wrong, because, little genius that I am, Ive always just assumed I should do the opposite when it came to pronouncing words for the rest of my life, never taking into account the fact that not every word is English, and not all of our rules apply to the lingo of other countries. That being said, youre probably going to look like an ass if youre saying hygge like hii-gee like I was. Update: This word was added in January 2021. But in returning to Denmark as an adult, she realised that the concept of hygge had been missing from her life and seemed totally absent in America where she had immigrated to. Its a common hashtag on Instagram, often accompanying photos of candlelit tables draped in soft white linens, or cozy couches filled with pillows. Hygge is a Danish concept that dates back to the 18th century and is central to Denmarks national identity. Hygge HOO-gah; Danish word for a type of satisfied coziness associated with being indoors during the country's harsh winters; now adopted to describe design style influenced by Scandinavia. Scenes in which hygge is evident include two people warmly snuggling by a roaring fire on a cold winter's night while sipping glogg or hot cocoa; or an intimate gathering of friends at someone's house for a candle-lit dinner, conversation, and light entertainment. Here are some of the words we're currently looking at for a spot in the dictionary. Knits and plush items are musts for an inevitably warm, welcoming atmosphere. When you find out, let me know, he said. Don't you think it's high time you invested in a little hygge? Or at the very least, a way not to do it. Since its introduction to the United States, Americans have been eager to define hygge as a set of purchases you can make, a color palette, or even an Instagram filter preset. How about an eyebrow furrow? Bergre bear-ZHAIR; a French armchair with an upholstered back and armrests. ), Life Coach Tips On: How To Add More Hygge to Your Home & Life, The Ultimate First Time Homeowner's Guide. Here you go: The Hygge Conspiracy at The Guardian. The modern incarnation of hygge is as much a state of being, a state of mind, as it is about coziness, conviviality, and kinship with others. Some ideas of where you can start include adding plenty of personal touches to your home, like family photos, mementos of past trips, and artwork that reminds you of loved ones. A Danish term that is difficult to define with a one-word translation, hygge is a cozy sense of being. First, a guide to pronunciation. My husband used to work for a Swedish company, and has traveled to Sweden a number of times. Note: Its no surprise that many of the hygge books would center around food; eating can create a very cozy, special moment, not only in the winter months, but also in the summer months as well. Hygge is not all candles and steamy cups of coffee topped with foam. Or pick up a copy of the book, Hygge & West Home: Design for a Cozy Life to see my home and thoughts featured in it. But we all have to look after ourselves, try to live in the moment and appreciate the small things in life, says Johansen. As a life philosophy, hygge is unabashedly bourgeois.. This can mean adding blankets and pillows or re-arranging your furniture to create a space where people can gather. We independently select these productsif you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. Its easy to choose your favorites which are then shipped to your door, ready to be displayed. Whether its making coffee a verb by creating a ritual of making it every morning to a cosy evening in with friends where youre just enjoying each others company to the simple act of lighting a candle with every meal, hygge is just about being aware of a good moment. Because simply defining the term with words like "coziness" and "togetherness" does not dohyggejustice, it is up to you and how you interpret the pleasantness ofgood company in an inviting atmosphere. All Content 2022 by Circle Graphics, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Cookie Policy. Hygge (pronounced hue-guh not hoo-gah) is a Danish word used when acknowledging a feeling or moment, whether alone or with friends, at home or out, ordinary or extraordinary as cosy, charming or special. Of course, its not all heavily accented French names either. Many of the words used in the everyday conversations of designers and design enthusiasts alike are borrowed from dialects the world over, like the Danish word hygge that infiltrated every decor magazine and blog late last year (and no, hygge is not when you hide after eating fudge, though we sure do think a word with this definition should absolutely exist). Hygge & West Home: Design for a Cozy Life, A Contractual Agreement to Borrow and Repay Money. Hygge is pronounced hoo-gah, or heu-gah, if you want to get closer to how they say it in Denmark. A home that is hyggeligt is one that is not too pretentious, where you can be perfectly yourself. Youll be a decorating nerd in no time at all: The Secret to Happiness at Home is Hygge (So, What Does Hygge Mean? In first grade, I remember learning how to spell by sounding things out and writing the appropriate letters accordingly. But, first things first, you have to talk the talk if you want to walk the walk. However, hygge is about so much more than that. The Secret to Happiness at Home is Hygge (So, What Does Hygge Mean? For the past several months now, the word hygge has been popping up all over our social feeds. I hope youre ready for the combination of embarrassment and utter confusion youre about to feel right now, because Im about to defy everything you know about language. Be the first to know what's trending, straight from Elite Daily, This 15-Minute Pilates Workout From A Celeb Trainer Will Be Your Summer Staple, Aspects In Astrology Describe How The Planets Connect With Each Other, A Sextile Is A Great Thing To Share In Terms Of Astrological Compatibility. You dont have to be rich or thin to have a hyggelig time.. Hygge (or to be hyggeligt) doesnt require learning how-to, adopting it as a lifestyle or buying anything. But as Johansen points out, historically hygge comes from much simpler roots. Hygge is pronounced "hue-gah" or "hoo-guh," according to the video on Visit Denmark's website. Hygge is a quality of coziness that makes a person feel content and comfortable. VisitDenmark.com says Hygge is a general living concept that focuses on "a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people." 0 && stateHdr.searchDesk ? Hyggeis all about taking a step or two back and feeling the positive effects of indulging in the basics. I wouldnt say Im the type of person who has an eye for design or anything, but when it comes to aesthetic and homey feels, I prefer comfy and relaxed to modern and showy. If you cant get enough of tricky design jargon, check out this post with more pronunciation fun! Skip Menu. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. At Canvas on Demand, there are lots of ways to print and display your most treasured memories, including gorgeous canvas prints, metal wall displays, and customizable artwork. So, let's start with the basics. Invite friends over for a weekend lunch, and create an atmosphere that allows for visitors. Hygge originates in Norway, and stems from the word hyggja which means to be or to think,' says Signe Johansen, author of How to Hygge: The Secrets of Scandinavian Living. 'All Intensive Purposes' or 'All Intents and Purposes'. SMH. While theres no one English word or simple definition to describe hygge, several can be used interchangeably to describe the idea of hygge such as cosiness, charm, happiness, contentness, security, familiarity, comfort, reassurance, kinship, and simpleness. I can only speak for myself, but I cant be the only one who comes up with pronunciations based on the spelling of a word alone. Hyggeis a sense of intimacy created in any space at any moment. And How Can I Get Some? With so many cold, dark, days, the simple act of lighting a candle and enjoying a cup of coffee could make a huge difference to ones spirit. Can a computer have consciousness? Initially, it was explained as a Danish expression that meant cozy, or comfortable. Just take Charlotte's own Hygge Coworking, for example, named after the concept and exhibiting some of the unmistakable hyggeelements. Its not just a turn of phrase, though; its a lifestyle, one youll definitely want to adapt in your own home once you learn more about it. Learn a new word every day. Its not a thing and anyone telling you different either doesnt understand it or is literally trying to sell you something that has nothing to do with the concept. Deena Prichep, NPR.org, 21 Dec. 2017, Hygge is all about being in the moment, feeling completely relaxed and centred, letting go of the hectic world around you, either alone or with loved ones. She can most often be found drinking coffee, riding her bike or exploring markets. To bring hygge into your home, you need to think about how you can cultivate a safe, warm, and comfortable communal space. Its a lot easier to unwind and feel comfortable if your space is conducive to relaxation. But the truth is, the multi-cultural influence of the design world means that its jargon is rife with words of many languagesmany of which may seem baffling to pronounce. Youre likely to (mostly) understand the decorating glossary if you minored in French during your college years (what with all those words like tagre, chaise longue, trompe loeil, bergre, et ceteraah ha! Its tempting to lump the concept of hygge into the Nordic design aesthetic, but in reality, its more about your own preferences and the things you need to feel cozy at home. A well-lived life is not always perfectly planned out, and it is not a highlight reel. Since Scandinavian winters are known to be bleak, the concept of creatingcomfortable retreats became paramount to the Danish people and their happiness. Theres a great deal of uncertainty in the world at the moment, and anxiety about the future. A clue! Being a beauty editor at the time, I thought, without a doubt, I was well versed in my vertical and knew how to say each word flawlessly.

There's a reason why Denmark is one of the happiest countries in the world, you know. Think soft, fur blankets and luscious rugs. The English language's most successful export is a joke. What started out as a simple concept quickly became a way of living for the Danish. But the good news is, its much easy to embrace than it is to say! Usage explanations of natural written and spoken English. Enjoy the moment. It makes guests feel welcome and warm. Its more memoir and personal stories than how-to or design-inspo. If you've been paying attention, you may have noticed a cozy, minimalist trend peaking. Boucl BOUQUE-lay; fabric woven from a looped yarn, resulting in a textured look. So she created this site to bring more awareness of the concept of hygge by sharing stories and ideas to make the ordinary day, extraordinary through recognizing simple moments and trying to have a slow lifestyle in a busy world. By creating simple rituals without effort {such as brewing real tea with a little china cup every evening to stopping at the flower shop every week} the Danes see both the domestic and personal life as an art form and not every drudgery to get away from. Bring hygge into your home by adding personal touches that make you feel happy and content. Treat yourself to an indulgent bubble bath. Do you want a glass .css-1qproo8{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:#40699f;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:inherit;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;background-image:linear-gradient( to bottom, rgba(156,181,215,.2), rgba(156,181,215,.2));-webkit-background-position:0 100%;background-position:0 100%;background-repeat:repeat-x;-webkit-background-size:0 0;background-size:0 0;padding-top:0.05rem;padding-bottom:0.05rem;}.css-1qproo8:hover{color:#000000;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;-webkit-background-size:0.625rem 3.125rem;background-size:0.625rem 3.125rem;}coffee table or wood?without having to worry about pronunciation. Lastly, it's important not to "overdo it." Another definition of hygge is an art of creating intimacy (either with yourself, friends and your home). Ikat EE-cot; fabric with a tie-dye pattern native to India and Asia. For a long time the Nordic region was quite poor, and we had limited access to vital resources while having to cope with hard winters and difficult environmental conditions, she says. Hygge embodies this exact idea of coziness. As the lifestyle expanded to Sweden and other parts of Scandinavia, it was only a matter of time before Americans got word of this chicly mellow aesthetic thats not only the quintessential definition of winter living, but is also incredibly picturesque. Ultimately, its up to us to create those moments, through time spent worrying less about objects and money and focusing more on family and friends and spending time in nature. In fact, thats really the point: Achieving hygge is about slowing down and simplifying. Today, lets explore the history of hygge, its definition, how to pronounce it, and why its the perfect trend to embrace in your home. Between the demands of meeting a certain GPA or getting that promotion, it's natural to grow accustomed to being on-the-go and alert at all times.

Hyggeis not about impressing others. According to the accessory brand SKAGEN's blog, hygge is a term that has not one, single translation, but rather, a word that represents a number of things like "contentment," "good feelings," and "a warm glow." Want a long read on the commercialization of hygge? Despite the long, cold winters, Denmark is regularly among the top countries surveyed in the annual World Happiness Report, which many people attribute to their intentional attitudes about hygge, including spending time with friends and doing things that keep them feeling joyful, even in the winter. Hygge is the phrase that Danes use when they want to describe a home thats separate from the dark, cold, and potentially dangerous world outside. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing. Its the warm glow that comes from food and friends; the feeling you have after you return from a winter hike in the snow and wrap your hands around a hot drink. Especially in the wintertime, when the temperatures drop and the days are shorter, my number one priority is to have a stack of warm blankets at the ready, with a kitchen cabinet fully stocked with tea and hot chocolate for sipping. Hygge time in Scandinavia is enjoyed after a busy day of activities. But, interestingly enough, when I approached him with the term hygge and asked for the correct pronunciation, all I got was a shrug in return. 'pa pdd chac-sb tc-bd bw hbr-20 hbss lpt-25' : 'hdn'">, Test your vocabulary with our fun image quizzes, Clear explanations of natural written and spoken English. If you can speakin a Danish accent, it will (obviously) help your pronunciation efforts. These are easy, of course; but other terms (especially ones that we borrow from foreign languages)well, not so easy in either their correct pronunciation or meaning. NB: "chaise longue" is the French for "long chair," a.k.a.

And How Can I Get Some?) Macram MAC-ruh-may; a textile technique devised of knotted fibers. ", .css-d1h32f{color:#000000;display:block;font-family:Visuelt,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:bold;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;-webkit-text-stroke:0;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-d1h32f:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-d1h32f{font-size:1.0625rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.3125rem;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-d1h32f{font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.3125rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-d1h32f{font-size:1.25rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.625rem;}}10 Fun Finds to Help You Beat the Heat, 20 Best Board Games the Whole Family Will Love, Let These 23 Valentine's Day Poems Do the Talking, The Best Backyard Swing Sets You Can Order Online, 100+ Creative Activities to Do When You're Bored, 18 of Netflix's Must-Watch Christmas Movies, Ina Garten's Advice for Hosting From the 2000s, Magnolia Workshops Is Adding Three New Courses. It's not hygge if we're in the same room and you're doing something and I'm doing something else and we're not connected. Originally, hygge was a Norwegian word for wellbeing, but it has since evolved into a more specific term. This tradition is likely connected to the endlessly dark Nordic winters, during which people in the past found comfort and relaxation in watching their flickering dance. And Hahnemann stresses that this food doesn't need to be fancy. Settee SET-tee; an upholstered seat that fits more than one (synonym: loveseat). After all, you're dealing with a Danish word. sentient We independently select these productsif you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. Gathering with people is another important aspect of this Danish concept. Sounds lovely, doesn't it? You can also use light to create a more hyggeligt space by skipping harsh overhead fixtures and opting for candlelight, firelight, or the layered light of lamps around your seating area.

The undefinable feeling of hygge was a way for them to find moments to celebrate, acknowledge and break up the mundane or harsh. Click on the arrows to change the translation direction. Take the time to indulge in the time you're given, and be present. But this way of life invites you to take a step back when necessary, and enjoy the moment for what it is. What ensued was educational, incredibly creative and downright endearing. Get our best recipes, grocery finds, and clever kitchen tips delivered to your inbox.