Swedish edit

Etymology edit

From dated skräda (remove unwanted parts of) + orden (one's words).

Verb edit

skräda orden (present skräder orden, preterite skrädde orden, supine skrätt orden, imperative skräd orden)

  1. (idiomatic, chiefly in the negative) to mince words (express oneself carefully or diplomatically, to avoid saying anything which may be considered harmful, disrespectful, or the like, no matter how true)
    Hon brukar inte skräda orden
    She's usually not one to mince words

Usage notes edit

Usually used in the negative sense, "att inte skräda orden", i.e. to be frank and outspoken, not afraid of hurting other people's feelings.

See also edit

References edit