3 phrases we use every day

As the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute, my work is dedicated to measuring and understanding what improves people’s wellbeing and overall quality of life.

We’re based in Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, one of the countries that is consistently ranked the happiest in the world. Danes are often surprised by this fact. As someone who was born and raised in Denmark, I’m often asked about what makes Danish people so content.

I think the best short explanation is the Nordic welfare model is good — not perfect, but good — at mitigating some of the sources for unhappiness. But there may be something in our culture and language that boosts our wellbeing as well. 

If you want an indication of how we approach life and think about happiness here, you can find the answer in these three phrases we use every day.

1. ‘There is no such thing as bad weather — only bad clothing’

2. ‘Do you want to hygge a bit?’

We have to state how hyggelig everything is. All the time.

Hygge is a key performance indicator of most Danish social gatherings. “Honey, do you think our guest hyggede themselves?” (This is in the past tense — don’t attempt to pronounce it.)

That is why hygge has been refined to the level it has and why it is seen as part of the national identity of Denmark. Hygge is the antidote for the cold winter, the rainy days and the duvet of darkness. 

While you can have hygge all year around, it is during winter that it becomes not only a necessity, but a survival strategy. That is why Danes have a reputation of being such hygge fundamentalists and why we talk so much about it. Talking about it helps us recognize those small moments of joy on a daily basis.

3. ‘Pyt med det,’ or, ‘It doesn’t matter’

“Pyt med det” is a commonly used phrase in Denmark that translates to, “It doesn’t matter, or, “Don’t worry about it.” Originally, it was actually used as a swear word meaning “hell.” Today, it has a very different meaning and connotation.  

“Pyt,” or “never mind,” embodies a profound acceptance and release of worry. It is the gentle exhale amid life’s storms, a reassurance that things will be okay, even when they seem not to be. 

It’s a good reminder to not sweat the small stuff, like the last time I lost my laptop on a plane. Before getting upset, I asked myself, “Six months from now, is this going to impact my happiness or my quality of life?”

As is most often the case with these kinds of missteps, the answer was no. I could say “pyt med det” and move on. As for the computer, it was eventually returned to me. 

Some families or classrooms even have a physical “pyt button” that you can push when you run into these kinds of concerns, as a tangible reminder. So whether it’s a minor setback or a major disappointment, “pyt med det” encourages us to shrug off negativity and move forward with grace and resilience. 

Meik Wiking is the founder and CEO of The Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen. He is a research associate for the World Database of Happiness, member of the Advisory committee to the Global Happiness Policy Report and Founder of The Happiness Museum in Copenhagen. He is a New York Times best-selling author, has been translated into 38 languages and has been called “the happiest man in the world” by The Times.

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