Signification
To be annoying or offensive to look at.
Contexte culturel
The phrase is the ultimate linguistic weapon against those who violate 'Jantelagen'. It is a way for the collective to express that someone is 'too much'. In contrast to Sweden, 'sticking out' with wealth is often celebrated as the 'American Dream'. Americans might find the Swedish 'stinging eyes' sentiment hard to relate to. Japan has a similar 'collectivist' mindset where harmony (Wa) is key. Anything that disrupts this harmony 'sticks in the eye' of the group. The phrase exists in similar forms across Scandinavia (e.g., 'stikke i øjnene' in Danish), reflecting shared Nordic values of modesty.
The 'Jante' Connection
If you want to sound like a native, use this phrase when discussing wealth inequality. It shows you understand Swedish social values.
Don't use for literal pain
If you actually have something in your eye, say 'Jag har fått något i ögat' or 'Det svider i ögonen'.
Signification
To be annoying or offensive to look at.
The 'Jante' Connection
If you want to sound like a native, use this phrase when discussing wealth inequality. It shows you understand Swedish social values.
Don't use for literal pain
If you actually have something in your eye, say 'Jag har fått något i ögat' or 'Det svider i ögonen'.
Media Usage
Look for this phrase in the 'Debatt' section of Swedish newspapers. It's a favorite for opinion writers.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'sticka'.
Hans enorma guldklocka _________ i ögonen på alla på kontoret.
The sentence is in the present tense, so 'sticker' is the correct form.
Which situation best fits the idiom 'sticka i ögonen'?
Vilken situation passar bäst?
The idiom is used for provocative displays of wealth or unfairness, making B the perfect fit.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: Såg du att de har byggt ett jättestort staket runt hela huset? B: Ja, det ________ verkligen i ögonen på grannarna.
In this context of neighborly irritation, 'sticker' (part of 'sticker i ögonen') is the most natural choice.
Match the sentence to the reason why it 'sticker i ögonen'.
1. Miljonbonusar under krisen. 2. Skryta om sin lön. 3. Inte följa klädkoden på bröllopet.
Bonusar are about injustice, bragging triggers envy, and breaking dress codes is social provocation.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Sticka ut vs. Sticka i ögonen
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesHans enorma guldklocka _________ i ögonen på alla på kontoret.
The sentence is in the present tense, so 'sticker' is the correct form.
Vilken situation passar bäst?
The idiom is used for provocative displays of wealth or unfairness, making B the perfect fit.
A: Såg du att de har byggt ett jättestort staket runt hela huset? B: Ja, det ________ verkligen i ögonen på grannarna.
In this context of neighborly irritation, 'sticker' (part of 'sticker i ögonen') is the most natural choice.
1. Miljonbonusar under krisen. 2. Skryta om sin lön. 3. Inte följa klädkoden på bröllopet.
Bonusar are about injustice, bragging triggers envy, and breaking dress codes is social provocation.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, but it's the most common use. It can also be about behavior, like someone being extremely loud or arrogant in a quiet place.
Almost never. It implies irritation, envy, or offense. If you want a positive version, use 'sticka ut' (to stand out).
It's not a swear word, but it is a strong criticism. You are essentially calling someone out for being 'too much'.
We use the plural 'ögonen' (the eyes) because the provocation is seen by everyone (the public). 'Sticka i ögat' is used but less common.
Yes, if the color is so bright it's actually annoying to look at, but 'skrikig' (screaming) is more common for fashion.
Probably not. Use 'provocerande' or 'väcka anstöt' if you want to sound more professional.
Close, but an 'eyesore' is usually just ugly. 'Sticka i ögonen' is ugly AND makes you feel a social injustice.
The past tense is 'stack'. Example: 'Det stack i ögonen på folk.'
Yes, it is a standard idiom used from Malmö to Kiruna.
It's better to say 'Det sticker i ögonen på mig'. The definite form 'ögonen' is preferred in idioms.
Expressions liées
Vara en nagel i ögat
similarTo be a constant source of irritation.
Sticka ut
contrastTo stand out.
Väcka anstöt
synonymTo cause offense.
Skrika
specialized formTo scream (about colors).
Stick i stäv
builds onTo go against something.
