Kos

Not that long ago, a story in a Norwegian newspaper talked about words that were distinctly Norwegian, that don’t translate well into other languages.  The number one word that beat out all other words in the category of describing Norwegian life was the word “kos” (pronounced “koose” like moose).  Based on my experiences in Norway, it’s one of the most frequently used words as well and it has no decent translation.

There are several ways of using the word in its various forms and every one of them means something pleasant.  “Koselig” (koosh-lee) means something like “cozy” but with more enjoyable undertones.  When someone is talking about a wonderful experience they’ve had, they might refer to it as “koselig.” Houses are often referred to as “koselig” and I’ve even heard people use that word to describe other people.

Another all too often used expression is “kos deg” (pronounced  “koose die”) which means “have fun” or “enjoy yourself.”  When someone is heading out the door to go somewhere, that’s a common thing to say when sending them off.  When they return from wherever they went, whether it was to another country, or just a walk around the block, they often say, “Vi kost oss” which is pretty much saying, “We enjoyed ourselves.”  When meeting someone, it’s proper to say, “Koselig å hilse på deg” which translates as, “Nice to meet you.”  

The “kos” word is highly overused in my estimation.  It makes me think the Norwegians don’t have a very descriptive vocabulary when they find so many different ways to use the same word, but then maybe I’ve just never fully understood it’s richness.  It’s a word that brings joy to a Norwegian’s face, similar to what lutefisk does on Christmas day.  It’s a word the dictionary describes as “cozy or comfortable” or “nice, pleasant” or “a greeting.”  Yes, it is all those things, but so much more. 

The ultimate image of a “koselig” place and experience would be a log cabin up in the mountains surrounded by snow. Family or friends provide the greeting, a fire is burning in the stone fireplace, candles glow in the windows and on tabletops and the smell of cardamom bread and coffee hang in the air.  Now that’s my kind of “koselig.” I think it’s those “koselig” experiences in Norway that keep drawing me back.  No one does “koselig” like the Norwegians.

My Norwegian friends on Facebook often post photos of just a candle burning, or a cup of coffee, with only the word, “kos” under it.  They are telling the world that life doesn’t get much better than this simple pleasure.  I wish we Americans were that easy to please.