25-06-2025
Swedish word of the day: på kanelen
One of Sweden's most famous spices isn't just used in kanelbullar (cinnamon buns) – it also describes what can happen on a night out.
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På kanelen is a euphemism for being drunk or tipsy.
Literally, it means 'on the cinnamon'. But what does cinnamon have to do with inebriation?
Unfortunately, according to the Institute for Language and Folklore: "No one knows for sure. It's either to do with the fact that you used to be able to drink aquavit seasoned with cinnamon, or it's just a word chosen at random, as a variation on expressions for being drunk."
Other such expressions, and their literal meaning, include:
På sniskan – lopsided.
På örat – on the ear.
På kotan – on the vertebra.
På lyset – on the light.
På dojan – on the shoe.
The actual words for being drunk are att vara full or, more formally, att vara berusad.
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Cinnamon is extremely popular in Sweden. In fact, Indians in Sweden often say that the aroma from Swedish kitchens reminds them of home, with cinnamon, cardamom, clove, pepper, saffron and ginger much-loved ingredients in both countries' cuisines.
The only difference is that in India they're also used in savoury food, whereas Swedes love to include cinnamon, saffron and cardamom in some of their most famous cakes and pastries, whether we're talking cinnamon buns, cardamom buns or lussekatter.
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This article explains how spices have connected Sweden and India for centuries.
Example sentences:
Jag börjar känna mig lite på kanelen.
I'm beginning to feel a bit drunk.
Vill du ha gröt på kanelen? Nej, jag vill ha kanel på gröten.
Would you like porridge on the cinnamon? No, I would like cinnamon on the porridge.
Villa, Volvo, Vovve: The Local's Word Guide to Swedish Life, written by The Local's journalists, is available to order. Head to to read more about it. You can also buy your copy from Amazon US, Amazon UK, Bokus or Adlibris.
