Our language reflects the society we live in. Prior to the creation of a concept or product, the word (obviously) did not exist. In an etymological perspective the major changes around the world in the 1900’s have contributed to changes in our vocabulary through new and constructed words.
During the latter half of the century, new Norwegian words were characterized by feminism, climate, environment, technology, media and self-realization. In Norway, it became common to import words from other languages, especially English.
1955-1964
Miljøforstyrrelser Environmental Interference
Kjønnsroller Gender Roles
P-piller Birth Control Pills
Dagmamma Nanny
Datamaskin Computer
Dødshjelp Euthanasia
Fremmedgjøring Alienation
Honnørbillett Senior Discount
Homofil Homosexual
Karisma Charisma
Juice Juice
Humanetisk Humanist
Maktbalanse Power Balance
Pakketur Charter Flights
Massemedia Mass Media
Stress Stress
Narkoman Drug Addict
Kjendis Celebrity
Postnummer ZIP Code
Popgruppe Pop Group
Pappmelk Milk Carton
Parkometer Parking Meter
Pulverkaffe Instant Coffee
Spray Spray
Sputnik Sputnik
Tenkeboks Think Tank
Toppløs Topless
Rasisme Racism
Enarmet banditt Slot Machine
Vårrull Spring roll
Jeans Jeans
Impulskjøp Impulse Purchase
1965-1974
Funksjonshemmet Disabled
Helsestudio Fitness Center
Dildo Dildo
Egotripp Ego Trip
Gatekjøkken Snack Bar (Fast Food)
Generasjonsbolig Multi-Generational Living
Hasj Hashish / Pot
Junkie Junkie
Kjønnskvotering Gender Quotas
Kjønnsnøytral Gender Neutral
Kontorlandskap Office Landscapes
Mobbe Bullying
Mørketall Dark Figures
Nyfeminist Feminist
Patetisk Pathetic
Porno Porn
Solarium Solarium
Statussymbol Status Symbol
Svarte penger Black Money /Illegal Money
Synthesizer Synthesizer
Samboer Unmarried Couple (Living Together)
1975-1984
Aerobics Aerobics
AIDS/HIV Aids/HIV
Datasnok Hacker
Dragshow Drag show
Fosterdiagnostikk Prenatal Diagnosis
Forelder Parent
Frisbee Frisbee
Frynsegoder Perks
Graffiti Graffiti
Intercity-tog Inter City Train
Kebab Kebab
Krysserrakett Cruise Missile
Nærradio Local Radio
Seksuell trakassering Sexual Harassment
Skiskøyting Cross Country Skiing
Sosio-lingvist Sociolinguistics
Videovold Video Violence
Våtdrakt Wet Suit
Text by: Anette Broteng Christiansen, ThorNews
Source: Typisk Norsk; Dinamo Forlag, 2005
Photo credits from top: englishrussia.com, coventrytelegraph.net, digitaltmuseum.no etsy.com
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Categories: Language
thornews.com 
… there was no word for ‘parent’ prior? o.O
Of course! ‘Mom/mommy’ and ‘dad/daddy’ have always been in use. The word ‘parent’ is just a constructed generic term.
I was surprised by “Juice.” Is there no word for, say, apple juice?
Juice is a word that obvious is borrowed from the English language. Earlier we used the word “saft” which Google Translator to day correctly translate to (you’ve guessed it) saft
Well, what I meant to say was that Google Translator translate the English word “Juice” to the Norwegian word “saft”
Just like “juicy” that many Norwegians use – which is translated to “saftig” 🙂