noaord

Swedish

Etymology

From noa, a Polynesian term for replacing names to avoid summoning something; a form of euphemism, the antonym of tabu. And ord (“word”).

Noun

noaord n

1. a euphemism, a non-tabu synonym (used to avoid words which might bring bad luck)

Usage notes

• Various Swedish words are described as noaord because of their etymology connected to folklore or superstitious belief. For example, the Swedish word ulv (“a wolf”) was avoided (if you call them by name, they might come) and instead the noaord varg (“a thief”) was used, which is now the dominating word for wolf.

Declension

Declension of noaord

		nominative	genitive
singular	indefinite	noaord	noaords
	definite	noaordet	noaordets
plural	indefinite	noaord	noaords
	definite	noaorden	noaordens

Synonyms

• noanamn