hedenhös
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Swedish[edit]
Etymology[edit]
From Old Swedish hedhnom hø̄s, heydhin hø̄s, equivalent to heden (“heathen”) + hös, where hös is of uncertain origin. Possibly related to Icelandic haus (“skull”), meaning burial mound or possibly funerary urn in this compound.
Noun[edit]
hedenhös
- (somewhat dated, in some expressions) heathen times
- (somewhat dated, in some expressions, figuratively) a long, long time ago, time immemorial
- Synonym: urminnes tider (“time immemorial”)
- De har bott där sedan hedenhös
- They have lived there since time immemorial
Usage notes[edit]
Somewhat rare. Likely only recognized by many native speakers from the title of the children's book series Barna Hedenhös (The Hedenhös children).