Cheese and Oranges
“Cheese!” is the English word used to bring a cheesy smile across your subject’s face when taking a photo. However, this same word in Norwegian doesn’t give quite the same effect. In fact, if you say the Norwegian word for cheese, ‘ost’, your subject will pucker their lips like blowing out a candle for the big shot. So instead Norwegians use the word for orange, “appelsin”, with, of course, the emphasis on the “siiiiiiiiiiin” for a big fruity result.
by in category Language, Living, Quirks & Tickles
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How Norway became a country is shrouded in mystery and folklore. The most well known tale is of Harald Hårfagre who gathered the small kingdoms of the north into a unified nation in 872AD – and of course, this story is about love.
There is an opposition in everything. At the darkest time of the year, we celebrate Christmas. And at the exact opposite end, when the midnight sun is at its highest, we celebrate Midsummer.
Hmm …good to know! Ost just wouldn’t do it. LOL.
BTW, I met Lori of Lori’s Reflections in person on Monday. She’s visiting family in my area and we had lunch. She’s even better in person. I know she follows your blog too.
Hei L-Jay,
in greek things would be even worse. Ost is used in very bad situations between persons. You say “Ost from here” or just “Ost” and you mean “go away”, or “just go away, now!”. So, one has to be careful when and where uses what…
Thought you’d like to know that I was thinking about you this week: http://twolittlevikings.blogspot.com/2009/08/7-quick-takes-friday_21.html