hedenhös
Swedish edit
Etymology edit
From Old Swedish hedhnom hø̄s, heydhin hø̄s, equivalent to heden (“heathen”) + hös, where hös is of uncertain origin. Possibly related to Icelandic haus (“skull”), meaning burial mound or possibly funerary urn in this compound.
Noun edit
hedenhös
- (somewhat dated, in some expressions) heathen times
- (somewhat dated, in some expressions, figuratively) a long, long time ago, time immemorial
- Synonym: urminnes tider (“time immemorial”)
- De har bott där sedan hedenhös
- They have lived there since time immemorial
Usage notes edit
Somewhat rare. Likely only recognized by many native speakers from the title of the children's book series Barna Hedenhös (The Hedenhös children).