Slim

Meaning: Actually means 'clever' or 'smart'. Hij is slim = He's clever.

Language: Dutch

Literally: slim (slender)

Category: Feelings

Origin: From Middle Dutch slim, 'crooked, cunning' — in Dutch it stayed on the clever side.

More false friends — Feelings

• Stout — Actually means 'naughty' or 'mischievous'. Een stoute jongen = a naughty boy.
• Rolig — Actually means 'calm' or 'quiet'. (Confusingly, in Swedish rolig means 'funny' — a false…
• Déception — Actually means 'disappointment'. For deception (a trick), say tromperie.
• Disgusto — Actually means 'displeasure', 'upset', or 'trouble'. For disgust (revulsion), say asco.
• Embarazada — Actually means 'pregnant'. For embarrassed, say avergonzado/a.
• Sensible — Actually means 'sensitive'. For sensible/level-headed, say raisonnable.

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