Hold kæft (hol keft)
What does Hold kæft (hol keft) mean? Hold kæft (hol keft) is a Danish strong that translates to “shut up / shut the fuck up” in English.
Literal Translation
hold jaw
Meaning & Usage
"shut up / shut the fuck up"
A command telling someone to stop talking.
Examples in the Wild
Hold kæft og lyt! (Shut up and listen!)
When to Use It
Context
- Informal settings where profanity is accepted
- Expressing strong frustration or emphasis
- As a spontaneous exclamation
- Direct confrontation (use with caution)
Avoid
- Professional or formal settings
- Around elders or authority figures
- Job interviews, meetings, or customer-facing situations
Cultural Context
Very rude command in formal settings, but often used jokingly among friends.
More in Danish 🇩🇰
View all →Svans
“faggot”
A derogatory slang word for a homosexual man.
For helvede
“for fuck's sake / goddamn it”
Stronger than 'for fanden'. Used to express intense frustration or anger.
Kraftedeme (kraf-te-deh-meh)
“fucking”
A strong intensifier used to emphasize a point or express anger.
For satan
“damn it / goddamn”
Similar severity and usage to 'for helvede'. An expression of shock or frustration.
For fanden (for fan-en)
“damn / fuck”
Used to express frustration or emphasis. One of the most common everyday swear words in Danish.
Røvbanan (raw-v-ba-nan)
“asshole / dumbass”
A playful, slightly childish insult.
Kælling (kel-ling)
“bitch”
A highly derogatory term for a spiteful or mean woman.
Sateme (sa-teh-meh)
“goddamn / fucking”
Intensifier slightly stronger than 'fandeme'.