Signification
Not doing anything productive.
Contexte culturel
The concept of 'duktig' (being capable/diligent) is very strong. Slå dank is the opposite of being duktig, which is why it's often used as a mild reproach. Transparency is valued, but so is the 'fika' culture. However, 'slå dank' is distinct from fika; fika is a social institution, while slå dank is seen as individual laziness. The idiom reflects the history of Stockholm's working class and street life in the 18th century, where 'dank' games were a sign of the 'unemployed' classes. In the age of smartphones, 'slå dank' is often used to describe 'doomscrolling' or aimless internet browsing.
Use it for self-deprecation
It's very charming to use this about yourself to show you don't take yourself too seriously. 'Idag har jag verkligen bara slagit dank!'
Watch your tense
Since 'slå' is irregular, learners often say 'slådde'. Always remember: slå, slår, slog, slagit.
Signification
Not doing anything productive.
Use it for self-deprecation
It's very charming to use this about yourself to show you don't take yourself too seriously. 'Idag har jag verkligen bara slagit dank!'
Watch your tense
Since 'slå' is irregular, learners often say 'slådde'. Always remember: slå, slår, slog, slagit.
The 'Sitta och...' pattern
Swedes often pair this with 'sitta' (sit) or 'stå' (stand). 'Han sitter bara och slår dank.' This makes you sound much more native.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'slå'.
Igår ______ jag dank hela dagen för att jag var så trött.
The sentence starts with 'Igår' (Yesterday), so we need the past tense form 'slog'.
Which sentence is a correct use of the idiom?
Choose the natural Swedish sentence:
This uses the correct supine form 'slagit' without an article or pluralization.
Match the situation to the most likely phrase.
A manager sees an employee playing games on their phone.
This is a common way to confront someone who is being unproductive.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Ska vi gå till gymmet? B: Nej, jag orkar inte. Jag vill bara ______.
The speaker says they don't have the energy ('orkar inte') and wants to do nothing.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesIgår ______ jag dank hela dagen för att jag var så trött.
The sentence starts with 'Igår' (Yesterday), so we need the past tense form 'slog'.
Choose the natural Swedish sentence:
This uses the correct supine form 'slagit' without an article or pluralization.
A manager sees an employee playing games on their phone.
This is a common way to confront someone who is being unproductive.
A: Ska vi gå till gymmet? B: Nej, jag orkar inte. Jag vill bara ______.
The speaker says they don't have the energy ('orkar inte') and wants to do nothing.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsNo, not at all. In this context, it's just an old word for a coin. It has no connection to the English slang 'dank' (meaning high quality or damp).
Only with colleagues you know well. If you say it to your boss about yourself, it might sound like you're admitting to being lazy.
'Chilla' is modern and usually positive. 'Slå dank' is older and often implies you are neglecting something you should be doing.
No, never use 'en'. It is always just 'slå dank'.
Not really. It usually implies a longer period of time, like an afternoon or a whole day.
Expressions liées
driva omkring
synonymTo wander aimlessly.
lalla runt
similarTo potter around aimlessly.
gå och skrota
similarTo potter around doing small things.
ligga på latsidan
synonymTo be lazy (literally: to lie on the lazy side).
arbeta häcken av sig
contrastTo work one's butt off.
