Signification
A humorous way to say everyone is equal.
Contexte culturel
This phrase is a cornerstone of Swedish 'archipelago humor'. It reflects the national obsession with summer life on the water and the desire to keep social hierarchies flat. Norway has a similar version, though they might use different maritime metaphors. The shared 'Janteloven' makes the sentiment equally understood. Swedish-speaking Finns use this phrase frequently, often with an even drier sense of humor than in Sweden. Danes understand the phrase but might find it a bit 'too Swedish'. They prefer more direct forms of irony.
Timing is everything
Wait for the 'splash' (literal or metaphorical) before saying it. The pause makes the joke funnier.
Don't be mean
Ensure your tone is light. If you sound angry, it sounds like you hate rich people rather than making a joke.
Signification
A humorous way to say everyone is equal.
Timing is everything
Wait for the 'splash' (literal or metaphorical) before saying it. The pause makes the joke funnier.
Don't be mean
Ensure your tone is light. If you sound angry, it sounds like you hate rich people rather than making a joke.
The 'Twinkle'
Always deliver this with 'glimten i ögat' (a twinkle in your eye) to show you're in on the joke.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing words to complete the proverb.
Fint folk ______ ______.
The standard form of the proverb is 'Fint folk flyter inte'.
Which situation is most appropriate for this phrase?
Your friend is wearing a very expensive suit and accidentally steps into a deep puddle.
This is a perfect humorous situation to use the phrase to lighten the mood.
What does 'Fint folk flyter inte' actually mean in a social context?
The meaning is...
It's a humorous way to express egalitarianism and the Law of Jante.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: 'Kolla, kändisen snubblade på scenen!' B: 'Ja, ______.'
B is using the proverb to comment on the celebrity's mishap.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesFint folk ______ ______.
The standard form of the proverb is 'Fint folk flyter inte'.
Your friend is wearing a very expensive suit and accidentally steps into a deep puddle.
This is a perfect humorous situation to use the phrase to lighten the mood.
The meaning is...
It's a humorous way to express egalitarianism and the Law of Jante.
A: 'Kolla, kändisen snubblade på scenen!' B: 'Ja, ______.'
B is using the proverb to comment on the celebrity's mishap.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
3 questionsGenerally no. In Sweden, even wealthy people use it about themselves to show they are humble and have a sense of humor.
Yes! It's a very common metaphorical use. It implies that 'fine' people aren't immune to being clumsy.
'Folk' is more collective and informal, often used in proverbs. 'Människor' is the general word for 'human beings'.
Expressions liées
Fint folk kommer sent
similarFine people arrive late.
Jantelagen
builds onThe Law of Jante.
Lika goda kålsupare
synonymEqually good cabbage-sippers.
Högmod går före fall
similarPride goes before a fall.
