Meaning
To show disapproval of something.
Cultural Background
The phrase is a linguistic tool for 'Jantelagen'. It enforces the idea that 'you are not to think you are anyone special'. Social cohesion is high, so non-verbal disapproval like 'titta snett' is often preferred over direct verbal confrontation. In Swedish offices, 'fika' is important. If you consistently skip fika to work, colleagues might 'titta snett' at you for being 'too ambitious' or 'anti-social'. In small Swedish towns, 'titta snett' is more common as everyone knows everyone's business. In Stockholm, people are more anonymous.
The 'Passive' Power
Use this phrase to describe the 'vibe' of a room. It's great for setting a scene in a story.
Don't overdo it
If you use it for every minor dislike, it loses its power. Save it for social norm-breaking.
Meaning
To show disapproval of something.
The 'Passive' Power
Use this phrase to describe the 'vibe' of a room. It's great for setting a scene in a story.
Don't overdo it
If you use it for every minor dislike, it loses its power. Save it for social norm-breaking.
Passive form
Try saying 'Jag blev snett tittad på'. It sounds very native and sophisticated.
Jantelagen connection
Mentioning Jantelagen while using this phrase will impress Swedes with your cultural knowledge.
Test Yourself
Fyll i de ord som saknas i meningen.
Om du pratar i telefon på biblioteket kommer folk att _____ _____ på dig.
In a library, talking on the phone is a breach of social norms, leading to disapproval (titta snett).
Vilket alternativ betyder samma sak som 'titta snett på'?
De tittade snett på hans nya affärsidé.
The phrase implies skepticism and disapproval.
Matcha situationen med rätt känsla.
När används 'titta snett på'?
The phrase is specifically for social disapproval.
Slutför dialogen.
A: Varför är du så arg? B: Grannarna _____ _____ på mig bara för att jag spelade musik klockan tre på natten!
Playing music at 3 AM is a classic reason for neighbors to look askance at you.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Levels of Disapproval
Practice Bank
4 exercisesOm du pratar i telefon på biblioteket kommer folk att _____ _____ på dig.
In a library, talking on the phone is a breach of social norms, leading to disapproval (titta snett).
De tittade snett på hans nya affärsidé.
The phrase implies skepticism and disapproval.
När används 'titta snett på'?
The phrase is specifically for social disapproval.
A: Varför är du så arg? B: Grannarna _____ _____ på mig bara för att jag spelade musik klockan tre på natten!
Playing music at 3 AM is a classic reason for neighbors to look askance at you.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, but usually it's about the *person* who owns or created the object. You look askance at a 'house' because of the owner's choice.
No, describing that people 'titta snett' is just a description of reality. However, telling someone 'Jag tittar snett på dig' is a bit confrontational.
They are interchangeable. 'Titta' is slightly more active, 'se' is slightly more state-oriented.
Yes, 'snett' (crooked) always implies that something is 'not right'.
Yes, to describe how you handle criticism or social pressure.
No, 'glaring' (blänga) is much more aggressive. 'Titta snett' is more subtle.
Not directly, but you can say 'en sned blick' (a crooked glance).
Yes, it is a universal Swedish idiom.
Yes, e.g., 'Min katt tittar snett på min nya frisyr.'
De tittade snett på varandra.
Absolutely, it's used in journalism all the time.
To look at someone with approval (se med blida ögon på).
Related Phrases
se ner på
similarTo look down on someone
höja på ögonbrynen
similarTo raise one's eyebrows
vända ryggen åt
contrastTo turn one's back on
ha ett gott öga till
contrastTo have a liking for someone
ge någon en känga
specialized formTo give someone a kick/criticism
