Icelandic: some expressions
Jæja - it’s used to break the ice during that uncomfortable silence; it would mean: “As I was saying…” in English. It’s very useful in my opinion because Icelandics are more reserved and they don’t speak much.
Sko, þú veist! - “So, you know…” it’s an expression often used and it does not mean anything specific at all, but it’s very used in conversations.
Að djamma - Literally translated: “to party”. The people use it often as an invitation for going out at night or going out to some party. Drinking something. It’s something casual - often spoken.
Djammið - this expression resumes many thing in one word: “Go out, stay (with people), drink, enjoy the night, go out and dance” and many other related things. Also related with “að djamma”.
Þetta reddast! - icelandic expression used during complicated situations and it means: “everything will be alright”. Usually preceded or followed by an “already, already” as in “of course!”, “For sure!” or “God hear you!”.
Rúnturinn - In a rough translation, it would be something like “take a walk”. It could be translated as circular walk, but in a current context, it actually expresses what normally young people do, “take a walk around” to see how the most frequented places are and to see people. It is very popular with young Icelanders who are not yet allowed to drink or enter pubs.
Borg óttans - “The city of fear”, a “lovely” way of referring to the well-known Reykjavik, capital of Iceland.
Ein með öllu - A word that is worth a whole expression: that’s what they say in Iceland when they want a hot dog with ketchup, mustard, remoulade and fried onions.
Trúnó - someone drinks all night and ends up opening up to other secrets, sincere feelings, and confidences.
So folks, this information came from a native speaker my age, but he is just one person, so there may be some differences depending on the region of Iceland. If you know anything about these expressions or want to share something else, feel free to do so. It would be welcome.
