Meaning
to have a lot of fun
Cultural Background
The phrase is often associated with 'löningshelg' (the weekend after payday, usually the 25th of the month), when Swedes traditionally go out to celebrate. On social media, 'leva loppan' is often used ironically by students who are actually just eating noodles, or earnestly by influencers at luxury events. In the early 1900s, the phrase was more literal, referring to the chaotic energy of crowded, flea-infested dance halls. While Danes and Norwegians have similar concepts, 'leva loppan' is uniquely Swedish in its specific insect imagery.
Use it for others
It's very common to use this to describe someone else's lifestyle, often with a hint of playful envy.
Singular only!
Never say 'leva lopporna'. It ruins the idiom and sounds like you're studying biology.
Meaning
to have a lot of fun
Use it for others
It's very common to use this to describe someone else's lifestyle, often with a hint of playful envy.
Singular only!
Never say 'leva lopporna'. It ruins the idiom and sounds like you're studying biology.
The 'Lagom' exception
Remember that this is the phrase Swedes use when they are NOT being 'lagom'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to complete the idiom.
Vi vann på lotto och nu ska vi leva ______!
The idiom is fixed as 'leva loppan' (definite singular).
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly in a social context?
A) Jag levde loppan på begravningen. B) Vi ska leva loppan på semestern i sommar. C) Han lever loppan när han sover.
Vacation is a perfect context for high-energy fun. Funerals and sleeping are not.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the verb.
– Vad gjorde ni i helgen? – Vi ______ loppan i Göteborg!
The question is in the past tense ('gjorde'), so the answer should use the past tense 'levde'.
Match the situation to the most likely phrase.
Situation: You just finished a 5-year university degree and are going to a festival.
This is a classic 'living it up' scenario.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to Leva Loppan
Events
- • Weddings
- • Festivals
- • Birthdays
Travel
- • Road trips
- • Cruises
- • Beach resorts
Practice Bank
4 exercisesVi vann på lotto och nu ska vi leva ______!
The idiom is fixed as 'leva loppan' (definite singular).
A) Jag levde loppan på begravningen. B) Vi ska leva loppan på semestern i sommar. C) Han lever loppan när han sover.
Vacation is a perfect context for high-energy fun. Funerals and sleeping are not.
– Vad gjorde ni i helgen? – Vi ______ loppan i Göteborg!
The question is in the past tense ('gjorde'), so the answer should use the past tense 'levde'.
Situation: You just finished a 5-year university degree and are going to a festival.
This is a classic 'living it up' scenario.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsNo, it's not rude at all. It's just informal and playful.
Not really. It implies high energy, noise, or extravagance. For a dinner, use 'ha det trevligt'.
It has history, but it's still very much in use today by all ages.
Yes, you can live it up alone, perhaps by treating yourself to a luxury spa day!
Perhaps 'ha det tråkigt' (have a boring time) or 'slita' (to toil/work hard).
Related Phrases
slå runt
synonymTo go out and party hard, often involving alcohol.
klackarna i taket
similarHeels in the ceiling; wild dancing.
göra stan osäker
similarTo paint the town red.
ha det gott
contrastTo have a good time / be well.
festa loss
builds onTo party without inhibition.
