Pronounced hoo-gah, it’s a term that means cozy, but it’s more than that. It’s about creating intentional intimacy. It’s also about self-care.
The Scandinavian philosophy tackles how to indulge in life’s simple pleasures. Especially when it’s cold outside. No winter blues! Hygge is not only about what you surround yourself with, but the activities that help you relax and bring you peace at the end of a long day. The upside is that hygge also fills your space with trendy decor, from chunky knit blankets to fancy candles.
The Oxford dictionary added the word in June 2017. Amazon has more than 900 books on hygge for sale. And, Instagram has more than 3 million posts with the hashtag #hygge, according to the Conversation. But Denmark isn’t alone in its contented feeling of being indoors during wintertime. Other places that have long or harsh winters have come up with rivals to Denmark’s hygge, including Sweden, Scotland, Wales and Austria.
So, what’s the new hygge? There is a slew of other words that are being hyped big time (or soon will be)! We’ve organized a list of the top five hygge-like posers to take you into the New Year and beyond.
1. Pyt
From the homeland of hygge, here’s another Danish word you can substitute for four-letter ones that could get you into trouble. Instead of your old go-to expletives, try pyt instead! It translates to phrases that resolve everyday frustrations like:
- Don’t worry about it
- Stuff happens
- Oh, well
Pronounced as pid, pyt is a cultural concept. It’s there to help you cultivate healthy thoughts and be free of stress. While hygge keeps you all cozy and warm, pyt is more about maintaining mental health for an overall sense of well-being, reports CNN.
2. Lagom
In Sweden, you might describe the strength of your coffee as “lagom är bäst” (lagom is best), reports Conde Nast Traveler. Lagom, (pronounced lah-gom) translates roughly to, “Not too much, not too little, just the right amount.”
But nowadays, it’s ubiquitous for balance. One book on the subject is “Lagom: Not Too Little, Not Too Much: The Swedish Art of Living a Balanced, Happy Life” by Niki Brantmark, giving readers insightful tidbits for making subtle changes to your life. Making time for what matters most will find greater happiness.
It’s all about the belief that your home is your nest. The word describes:
- Cozy contentment
- Sentimental objects you surround yourself with at home
- Objects with a special aesthetic
3. Còsagach
This is an old Gaelic term that’s a great antidote to winter blahs. Còsagach is pronounced kaw-sa-goch to rhyme with Scottish loch. It has been dedicated to that feeling of being snug, sheltered or cozy.
Visit Scotland insists it isn’t limited by season, though. Mental Floss says you can repurpose activities associated with hygge through còsagach. To start:
- Put on a chunky sweater
- Take shelter from the cold
- Have a warm tea (or dram)
- Sit in front of a cozy fire
- Let go of your worries
4. Cwtch
Cwtch (rhymes with butch) is a Welsh word meaning to hug or snuggle, or a small cozy place. But, the Welsh claim it to be much deeper than that. Cwtch things are anything that makes you feel cozy and snuggled.
So, that means embracing blankets and candles, but also soft clothing, reading nooks and comfy furniture. And though that sounds a lot like the hygge philosophy, cwtch is whatever makes you feel warm and comforted.
Use cwtch to inspire you to transform an entire room or a small space in your apartment into a soothing escape. Do so through textures, soft colors and cherished objects.
It’s defined as:
- The lovely warm feeling you used to get when a special person put their arms around you
- To shelter from the world and its pressures
- The feeling that you are safe, loved and totally comfortable
5. Gemütlichkeit
Austria is taking on hygge with its own concept. It’s called gemütlichkeit! Like hygge, it’s about peace of mind and a sense of belonging. It is also about well-being springing from social acceptance.
Think sitting in a chair surrounded by close friends with a hot cup of tea, while soft music plays in the background. From the German-language, it conveys:
- Quality time
- Good cheer
- A feeling of warmth, friendliness and cordiality
So, what is the new hygge?
These five ideas are about living a happier, more contented life. Hit the reset button and consider making one of these philosophies your own. Go for hygge 2.0 and consider designating an area for meditation, journaling or snuggling up with your favorite book. Or, try Japan’s wabi sabi design, which creates spaces that are calm, relaxing and organic.
