Lagom my Eggos!
October 28th, 2009 by Jonathan
A very loyal reader, OK, my wife, sent me this fascinating piece on foreign words without English counterparts. If you scroll down, you’ll reach lagom, Swedish for “just enough.”
Unlike the idea that “just enough” means “it’ll do”–which suggests some sort of lacking– lagom expresses that there is something that is “just right.” It is the perfect amount or size, no more, no less.
In the realm of food, this term would really help reduce waste. What a novel idea–that we can be content without having an excess.
Also, the piece passes along this excellent Swedish saying: “Enough is as good as a feast.” Sounds like a new tagline for this blog and reminds me of the Japanese concept of Mottainai.
I wonder if there’s a way to directly insert a foreign idea into American culture…While I ponder that, I’m off to discuss lagom with my favorite Swedish foodie.
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“I wont eat soup with two spoons.” A statement made about 40+ years ago by Shmuel Agnon a Nobel Laureate in literature. Was an answer to the question what will he do with the prize money; he lived a frugal and simple life.
Lovely cake! Swedes are just like that, generally very “lagom” people. Goes with the culture, says a Finn.
I love that idea. It’s slightly difficult to know how much is “just enough” when preparing food for six people, though.
Koshem, that’s an interesting thought and gives me an idea. The next time I’m bummed out, I’m double-spooning it on some soup.
Salla, are Finns more or less “lagom?” than Swedes?
Kristen, therein lies the rub. I’m sure it’s harder with some things than others. For example, I bet you have a decent idea how many pizzas you need to make.
[…] Jonathan Bloom’s Wasted Food Blog recently mentioned the Swedish term “lagom” which means “just enough” or “just right.” This is not the “snack size” swindle performed when manufacturers make tiny cookies that induce you to eat more. This is a different value, a state of mind that is as choosy about the right fit of a meal as one would be about a shoe. A food that is not “mega” or “ultra” is even better for being just right. […]