noaord

Swedish

Etymology

From noa, a Polynesian term for replacing names to avoid summoning something; a form of euphemism, the antonym of tabu. And ord (“word”).

Noun

noaord n

1. a euphemism, a non-tabu synonym (used to avoid words which might bring bad luck)

Usage notes

• Various Swedish words are described as noaord because of their etymology connected to folklore or superstitious belief. For example, the Swedish word ulv (“a wolf”) was avoided (if you call them by name, they might come) and instead the noaord varg (“a thief”) was used, which is now the dominating word for wolf.

Declension

Declension of noaord
	Singular		Plural
	Indefinite	Definite	Indefinite	Definite
Nominative	noaord	noaordet	noaord	noaorden
Genitive	noaords	noaordets	noaords	noaordens

Synonyms

• noanamn