jävlar (yev-lar)
What does jävlar (yev-lar) mean? jävlar (yev-lar) is a Swedish strong that translates to “damn it / holy shit” in English.
Literal Translation
devils
Meaning & Usage
"damn it / holy shit"
Plural of devil (djävul). Used as a strong exclamation or an intensifier.
Examples in the Wild
Jävlar vad kallt! (Damn / devils how cold!)
When to Use It
Context
- Informal settings where profanity is accepted
- Expressing strong frustration or emphasis
- As a spontaneous exclamation
Avoid
- Professional or formal settings
- Around elders or authority figures
- Around religious or conservative communities
- Job interviews, meetings, or customer-facing situations
Cultural Context
An essential building block of Swedish swearing. Saying 'Jävlar!' implies surprise or pain.
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“dude / guy / fucker”
Ortenspråk slang for a male.
hora (hoo-ra)
“whore”
Prostitute. A very severe slur.
guzz (gooz)
“chick / ho / girl”
Modern Ortenspråk slang for a girl.
fitta (fit-ta)
“cunt”
Female genitalia. One of the absolute strongest and most taboo native Swedish swear words.
gubbe (goob-beh)
“geezer / old fart”
An older man.
håll käften (hole chef-ten)
“shut the fuck up”
A highly aggressive way to tell someone to stop talking.
rövhål (ruv-hole)
“asshole”
The anus. Used to call someone a terrible person.
järnspikar (yairn-spee-kar)
“goodness gracious / holy smokes”
An extremely old euphemism/minced oath.