Hygge
Noun
- A quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being (regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture).
Example Sentences
“We rented a cabin in the mountains to immerse ourselves in hygge for our anniversary weekend.”
“Nothing is more hygge to me than being under a warm blanket in front of a fire with my dog.”
“Some people experience seasonal depression in the winter, but I do all the things to bring on hygge instead.”
Word Origin
Danish, 1960s
Why this word?
Get comfortable with this Danish word for “coziness.” Elements of hygge include sweaters, couches piled with blankets, candlelight, a warm pastry — basically anything involved with a cozy winter day. This holiday season, light a fire, grab a cup of cocoa, and settle in for a night of hygge. Hygge started out as a Scandinavian way of life, embracing comfort and small pleasures. The word “hygge” then entered English through Danish.