djävla

Swedish

Alternative forms

• jävla

Etymology

Attested since 1704 according to Svenska Akademiens ordbok. From djävul (“devil”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈjɛːvˌla/

Adjective

djävla (uninflected, attributive only)

1. (swear word) A mostly negative reinforcing expletive; damned, goddamned.

   Synonyms: (euphemistic) jäkla, (euphemistic) jädra

   Hon är en djävla idiot!

   She's a goddamned idiot!

   Du är en djävla bra kompis.

   You're one hell of a friend.

Usage notes

• Less common compared to jävla. Might look slightly quaint spelled with a d outside literary writing.
• Closer to English fuck than damn in offensiveness.

Synonyms

• förbaskade
• rackarns
• sabla
• satans

Related terms

• djävel
• djävlar
• djävul
• djävulen

Further reading

• djävla in Svensk ordbok.