False friendEverydaySwedish

Fart

Meaning: Actually means 'speed' or 'momentum'. Full fart = full speed ahead.

Origin: From Old Norse ferð, 'journey/movement' — a perfectly respectable word in Scandinavia.

More false friends — Everyday

  • Semester Actually means 'holiday' or 'vacation'. A school semester is en termin.
  • Full Actually means 'drunk'. Jeg er full = I'm drunk — not full after a meal.
  • Jornal Actually means 'newspaper'. For a personal journal (diary), say diário.
  • Bekommen Actually means 'to receive' or 'to get'. To become is werden.
  • Rat Actually means 'advice' or 'counsel'. A rat (the rodent) is eine Ratte.
  • Ropa Actually means 'clothes'. A rope is una cuerda.

More Swedish false friends

  • Bra Actually means 'good'. Det är bra = That's good.
  • Glass Actually means 'ice cream'. En glass = an ice cream. For a glass (vessel), say ett glas.
  • Barn Actually means 'child'. A barn is en lada.
  • Sex Actually means 'six'. Klockan sex = six o'clock.
  • Bord Actually means 'table'. Ett bord för två = a table for two.
  • Rar Actually means 'sweet' or 'kind'. En rar person is a lovely person. (In Norwegian, rar me…

Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults

Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.

  • Peau de vache A mean, difficult, and unpleasant person — tough and unyielding like tanned hide.
  • Eres un aguafiestas You're a killjoy — you pour cold water on everyone's fun the moment you arrive.
  • ¡Qué cara más dura! You've got incredible nerve and cheek — the audacity is almost impressive.

Browse all compliments & insults →

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