Meaning
An informal expression used when accepting a small setback.
Cultural Background
Reflects the 'friluftsliv' (outdoor life) culture where minor discomforts like rain or mud are dismissed to keep the spirit of the trip alive. Part of a broader Nordic stoicism that values emotional regulation and avoiding 'unnecessary' complaining. Frequently used in SMS and social media (like Snapchat) to show that you are not 'mad' or 'salty' about a change in plans. Used among colleagues to maintain a positive atmosphere after a small mistake, preventing a 'blame culture'.
The 'Shrug' Factor
When you say 'skitt au', actually shrug your shoulders. It helps with the intonation and makes you sound much more native.
Not for Funerals
Never use this for anything truly sad. It's for broken plates, not broken hearts.
Meaning
An informal expression used when accepting a small setback.
The 'Shrug' Factor
When you say 'skitt au', actually shrug your shoulders. It helps with the intonation and makes you sound much more native.
Not for Funerals
Never use this for anything truly sad. It's for broken plates, not broken hearts.
Polite Alternative
If you are with your Norwegian parents-in-law for the first time, use 'pytt au' instead. It's safer and very charming.
Texting
In texts, you can just write 'skitt au' to show you're not stressed about a delay. It's a great way to build rapport.
Test Yourself
Which situation is most appropriate for 'skitt au'?
You just found out...
'Skitt au' is for minor, everyday setbacks like forgetting milk.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
A: 'Vi rakk ikke filmen, den begynte for fem minutter siden!' B: '________, vi kan se den neste forestillingen i stedet.'
'Skitt au' fits the context of accepting a minor disappointment (missing the start of a movie).
Match the phrase to the intent.
Match 'Skitt au, jeg kjøper den!' with the correct intent:
In this context, the speaker is deciding to buy something despite a reason not to.
Fill in the missing word in this common idiom.
Skitt ____!
The standard form of the idiom is 'skitt au'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to say 'Skitt au!'
Minor Accidents
- • Spilled water
- • Dropped toast
- • Lost a sock
Bad Luck
- • Missed bus
- • Rainy day
- • Long queue
Impulses
- • Extra pizza
- • Buying a toy
- • Staying up late
Practice Bank
4 exercisesYou just found out...
'Skitt au' is for minor, everyday setbacks like forgetting milk.
A: 'Vi rakk ikke filmen, den begynte for fem minutter siden!' B: '________, vi kan se den neste forestillingen i stedet.'
'Skitt au' fits the context of accepting a minor disappointment (missing the start of a movie).
Match 'Skitt au, jeg kjøper den!' with the correct intent:
In this context, the speaker is deciding to buy something despite a reason not to.
Skitt ____!
The standard form of the idiom is 'skitt au'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt's a very mild swear word, similar to 'crap' in English. Most people don't find it offensive in this idiom.
Only if you have a very casual relationship. Otherwise, stick to 'det går fint'.
'Skitt la gå' is more often used when you are about to do something, while 'skitt au' is more for accepting something that already happened.
No, in this context it's an old word for 'also'.
Yes, it is a universal Norwegian expression.
No! That sounds very rude. Say 'Beklager' first. Only the victim should say 'skitt au'.
Not really a direct one, but 'Det får så være' (Let it be so) is more formal.
Always two words: 'skitt au'.
Yes, it's very common for parents to say this to children to teach them not to cry over small things.
The word 'au' is more common in Southern and Eastern dialects, but the idiom is known everywhere.
No, that would seem irresponsible. Use it for small things like running out of paper in the printer.
The closest are 'oh well', 'whatever', and 'what the hell'.
Related Phrases
pytt au
similarA more polite version of 'skitt au'.
skitt la gå
similarLet it go / what the hell.
samme det
synonymWhatever / it doesn't matter.
det ordner seg
builds onIt will work out.
drit i det
specialized formForget it / screw it.
