Lagom
Outside of Sweden the word âlagomâ seems to be trending this year. It takes over the Danish âhyggeâ and I expect to see books to be written on the subject. Or, wait; could really that much be squeezed out of the word lagom? To fill an entire book? Well, if hygge could âŠ
Lagom is not trending in Sweden. Itâs always around, always with us.
The urban legend has it that lagom derives from the Vikings; sharing the meal and the mead between themselves, using the same bowl. The words supposed to have been spoken were to not eat or drink more than that it would last âlaget omâ – the team around. Laget om then became lagom. Alas lagom means âjust the right amount, not too little not too muchâ. Lagom is a balance of things. Wether used for water temperature, amount of miles travelled during holiday, how much pick-and-mix candy the kids are allowed or how many guests are to be invited lagom is the answer.
A few examples in English and in Swedish:
Is it time to leave? Yes, itâs probably (the right) time. // Ăr det dags att gĂ„? Ja, det Ă€r nog lagom.
Isnât it too cold to swim? No, itâs just about right/perfect.// Ăr det inte för kallt för att bada? Nej, det Ă€r lagom varmt.
Does the blouse fit you (refering to size) Yes, itâs good! // Passar blusen? Ja, den Ă€r lagom!
Is it lots to do at work at the moment? No, itâs pretty ok/the right amount of work. // Ăr det mycket att göra pĂ„ jobbet just nu? Nej, det Ă€r ganska lagom.
