Meaning
Taking a shortcut.
Cultural Background
Norwegians use this to describe cleverness in everyday tasks. Similar idioms exist in other Nordic languages, often using different nationalities to describe 'foreign' shortcuts. In modern offices, using this phrase can signal you are looking for efficiency, but be careful of the 'lazy' connotation.
Context is key
Only use this with friends or family.
Don't be lazy
Don't use this to describe your work ethic to a boss.
Meaning
Taking a shortcut.
Context is key
Only use this with friends or family.
Don't be lazy
Don't use this to describe your work ethic to a boss.
The 'en' matters
Remember to include the final 'en'.
Test Yourself
What does 'å ta en spansk en' mean?
What is the meaning?
It is an idiom for finding an easy way out.
Complete the sentence.
Jeg ville ikke vaske opp, så jeg ____ en spansk en.
The verb used with this idiom is 'ta'.
Match the situation to the phrase.
Which situation is appropriate for 'å ta en spansk en'?
It is an informal idiom.
Is this phrase formal?
Is 'å ta en spansk en' formal?
It is very informal.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesWhat is the meaning?
It is an idiom for finding an easy way out.
Jeg ville ikke vaske opp, så jeg ____ en spansk en.
The verb used with this idiom is 'ta'.
Which situation is appropriate for 'å ta en spansk en'?
It is an informal idiom.
Is 'å ta en spansk en' formal?
It is very informal.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNo, it's a historical idiom and not intended to be offensive.
Absolutely not.
Not always, it can just mean finding a clever shortcut.
It will sound incomplete to a native speaker.
Yes, it is very common in daily speech.
Yes, like taking a shorter path.
Only in informal texts or social media.
Yes, 'gjøre en spansk en'.
Related Phrases
Å gå snarveien
synonymTo take the shortcut
Å gjøre det lettvint
similarTo do it the easy way
Å jukse
contrastTo cheat
