du stinker
The Norwegian phrase for "you stink" is du stinker.
This phrase is used to tell someone that their body or clothes have a strong, unpleasant smell.
Did you know?
- If someone is performing poorly in a game or a hobby, a Norwegian might say they stinker. This uses the scent-based verb as a metaphor for incompetence, similar to how an English speaker might say someone 'sucks'.
- The word du shares the same Proto-Indo-European root, *túh₂, as the archaic English word 'thou'. This connects the most common Norwegian pronoun directly to the history of English grammar.
- Saying du lukter is a neutral observation meaning 'you smell', whereas English speakers use 'you smell' as a shorthand for smelling bad.
Examples in context
- Du stinker svette.You stink of sweat.
- Du stinker etter trening.You stink after training.
- Ikke kom her, du stinker.Don't come here, you stink.
Example conversation
Magnus has just returned from a long run.
- NoraUff, du stinker!Ugh, you stink!
- MagnusJa, jeg har løpt en lang tur.Yes, I have been for a long run.
- NoraDu må gå rett i dusjen.You must go straight into the shower.
- MagnusDet skal jeg gjøre.I will do that.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries du, CC BY-SA 4.0.
