Svenne
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Svenne ['svɛ̀n:ɛ] is a derogatory or humorous Swedish slang term mainly used by immigrants in Sweden in reference to ethnic Swedes. It originates from a nickname for Sven. Although the term might be considered inevitably derogatory by some ethnic Swedes, it has also been adopted as a term of self description, suggesting a middle class background in an exclusively ethnic Swedish neighborhood.
In Swedish, the word has obtained two different meanings, which sometimes merge. One is referring to ethnicity, merely indicating that the individual referred is an ethnic Swede, and the other indicating that the individual referred is boring, shy and habitually conservative. Because the latter actually is a common viewpoint in Sweden, both different meanings are sometimes used by ethnic Swedes, often ironically.
For expats, this word has become one of national identity and pride, and is commonly found on auto license plates:
