Hygge is a Nordic concept that has made its way into the English-speaking world. We will examine the meaning of the word hygge, where it came from and some examples of its use in sentences.
Hygge is a concept of comfort and cosiness that generates a feeling of well-being and contentment. The concept was invented in Denmark, and is more than simply a feeling. Hygge may be considered a way of life, a pursuit, an aspiration. Denmark has a very long winter with little sunlight, and hygge is a way to mentally combat the harsh conditions. Hygge may involve the artful use of candles, good food with good friends, reading an excellent book in front of a warm fire or a hand-crocheted blanket made with a pleasing pattern. The word hygge was originally a Norwegian word which means well-being, perhaps from the word hygge which means hug. The word hygge made its way into Danish culture in the 1800s, and has evolved into its current cultural meaning. Within the last several years, the word hygge has spread into the English-speaking world and may soon be considered a borrowed word or loan word.
Examples
In recent years, the Danish concept of hygge has spread across the ocean, with many Americans wondering what it all means, and how they can get some. (The Seattle Times)
The Scandis brought us hygge – the creation of a cosy atmosphere – and lagom – adopting a frugal approach to life – and now it seems that we are turning to the Swedes for lifestyle inspiration. (The Daily Mail)
Explaining the concept of hygge was once as tricky as trying to pronounce it, but thanks to a glut of lifestyle books and shelter magazine articles published in late 2016, the world is now intimately familiar with the elevated take on coziness rooted in Danish culture. (The Globe and Mail)