Finding Warmth: Scottish Koselig

Most people have heard of the Danish hygge, but what about the lesser-known Norwegian koselig? Both are Scandinavian ways of coping with the darker days during the northern European winters. There exists no direct translation, because koselig [koos-uh-lee] encompasses a collection of things. Not limited to just ‘cosy’, koselig also refers to comfort, intimacy, warmth, relaxation, and focussing on social connections during the colder months. It is commonly used, appearing in the Norwegian phrase, “koselig å se deg igjen” meaning “nice to see you again.”

Walking around town, St Andrews has taken on its own form of koselig, partaking in Scotland and Norway’s greater historical connection. Some of our classic Scottish words, like ‘bairn’ (child), come from Old Norse, similar to the Norwegian word for child, ‘barn’. St Andrews is embracing koselig in this warming prelude to the festive season — making connections in cosy spaces, koselig is more than just fairy lights.