Scandinavian
UK: ˌskæn.dɪˈneɪ.vi.ən | US: ˌskæn.dɪˈneɪ.vi.ən
adj. relating to Scandinavia, its people, languages, or cultures
n. a native or inhabitant of Scandinavia
The term Scandinavian derives from Scandinavia, the name of the cultural and geographical region in Northern Europe. The suffix -ian (from Latin -ianus) denotes belonging or relation. Historically, Scandinavia likely stems from Proto-Germanic Skaþinawjō ("Scadia island"), combining skaþ- (possibly "danger" or "shadow") and awjō ("island"), reflecting early Germanic perceptions of the region. Over time, the term evolved to encompass the shared cultural and linguistic traits of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and sometimes Iceland and Finland.
The Scandinavian design style emphasizes minimalism and functionality.
She studied Scandinavian folklore during her semester abroad in Sweden.
Many Scandinavian languages, like Norwegian and Danish, are mutually intelligible.
The airline offers direct flights to major Scandinavian capitals.
Scandinavian winters are known for their long nights and snowy landscapes.