How to Say "Jerk" in Norwegian

drittsekk

In Norwegian, the English phrase "jerk" is translated as drittsekk.

The term is used to describe an unlikable person. The word "idiot" is often used informally to call someone a jerk.

Meaning: unlikable person (noun)

What does it mean word for word?

The word is a compound of dritt (shit) and sekk (bag).

drittsekk is an informal and vulgar term, similar to calling someone a 'shitbag' or 'asshole' in English.

To refer to a specific jerk, add the definite suffix -en to the end of the word to form drittsekken. The plural form of the noun is drittsekker.

While drittsekk is vulgar, Norwegians often use the word tullball to describe someone behaving like a jerk in a childish or nonsensical way.
Unlike the English 'jerk' which can sometimes be used playfully between friends, using drittsekk in a joking manner is much riskier in Norway and can easily cause genuine offense.
In a heated argument, calling someone a sekk instead of the full drittsekk might actually be confusing, as sekk alone usually refers to a literal 'sack' or 'bag' rather than an insult.

Han oppfører seg som en tulling.
He behaves like a jerk.
Han er virkelig en dust.
He is truly a jerk.
Han er en idiot som aldri tenker på andre.
He is an idiot who never thinks of others.
Han er en kjeltring som alltid prøver å lure andre.
He is a jerk who always tries to deceive others.
Han oppførte seg som en skikkelig drittsekk.
He behaved like a real jerk.
Ikke vær en drittsekk mot henne.
Don't be a jerk to her.
Den drittsekken ringte meg sent i går.
That jerk called me late yesterday.

Andreas and Emma are discussing a former colleague.

Andreas

Han var en utrolig drittsekk på jobben.
He was an incredible jerk at work.
Emma

Ja, jeg husker hvor ubehagelig han var.
Yes, I remember how unpleasant he was.
Andreas

Ingen likte ham i det hele tatt.
Nobody liked him at all.
Emma

Han var virkelig en vanskelig mann.
He truly was a difficult man.

Sources

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