Uff da
Uff da (sometimes also spelled huffda, uff-da, uffda, uff-dah, oofda, ufda, ufdah, oofta, or uf daa) is an exclamation of Norwegian origin adopted by Scandinavian-Americans in the 19th century. It is an exclamation that is relatively common in the Upper Midwestern states of the United States.[1] In Swedish usch då, same meaning and usage as in Norweigan.
Contents
Usage
Uff da is often used in the Upper Midwest as a term for sensory overload. It can be used as an expression of surprise, astonishment, exhaustion, relief and sometimes dismay. For many, Uff da is an all-purpose expression with a variety of nuances, and covering a variety of situations. The expression has lost its original connotation, and it is increasingly difficult to specify in exact terms what it means in any given usage. Within Scandinavian-American culture, Uff da frequently translates into: I am overwhelmed. It has become a mark of Scandinavian roots, particularly for people from Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, northern Illinois, Minnesota, and Upper Peninsula of Michigan.[2] Uff da can often be used as an alternative for many common obscenities. [3]
Norwegian Usage
In Norwegian, uff or huff is an interjection used when something is unpleasant, uncomfortable, hurtful, annoying, sad, or irritating.[4] Uff da is most often used as a response when hearing something lamentable (but not too serious), and could often be translated as Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.[5]
Cultural references
The following are some examples of how Uff da has become established in parts of the upper Midwest of the United States, often in a humorous way:
- Uffda store in Red Wing, Minnesota selling various Scandinavian and Minnesotan souvenirs, craft, gifts, and folk art.[6]
- The Uff da Mountain Boys is a band from the Fergus Falls, Minnesota area, playing Scandinavian and bluegrass music.[7]
- New Glarus Brewing Company markets a brand of beer called Uff-da Bock.[8]
- The logo of the Fargo Marathon includes the phrase 26.2 miles ... Uffda![9]
- Panaracer, a Bicycle tire maker, has a tire type called Uff Da! . It is intended for urban Dirt Jumping use.[10]
- Uff Da Airport (2WI1) is located in Stoughton, Wisconsin.[11]
- A citizens' group called Uff-Da Wal-Mart campaigned against the construction of a Wal-Mart Supercenter in Stoughton, Wisconsin.[12]
- There is an OOVVDA Winery in Springfield, MO that is a homonym for Uff da and is also an acronym - opened in 2005.[13]
- Uff-Da Tacos is a food stand based in the St. Paul exurb of Stillwater that travels to county fairs and other events across the Midwest.[14]
- The Uff Da Mud Run is an athletic event in Grand Forks, North Dakota.[15]
See also
References
- ↑ Uff Da: Norwegian-American expressivity (Tormod Kinnes. The Gold Scales)
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Haugen, Einar Norwegian American Dictionary/Norsk engelsk ordbok (University of Wisconsin. 1985) ISBN 0-299-03874-2
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ About OOVVDA Winery (OOVVDA)
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
Other sources
- Allen, Harold B. (1973) The Linguistic Atlas of the Upper Midwest, Volume 1 (Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press) ISBN 978-0816606863
- Haugen, Einar (1957) Beginning Norwegian: a grammar and reader (George G.Harrap & Co Ltd) ISBN 978-0245531378
- Lovoll, Odd S. (1998) The Promise Fulfilled: A Portrait of Norwegian Americans Today (Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press) ISBN 9780816628322
- Mohr, Howard (1987) How to talk Minnesotan : a visitor's guide (New York, NY: Penguin Books) ISBN 978-0143122692
- Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
