Gaaf

Gaaf is a Dutch adjective used to express approval, admiration, or enthusiasm. It roughly corresponds to English terms such as “cool,” “great,” or “nice.” The word can describe people, objects, experiences, or appearances, and it can indicate that something is in good condition, well made, or striking. In everyday language, gaaf is common in informal speech, especially among younger speakers, and it is widely understood in the Netherlands and in Flemish-speaking parts of Belgium.

As a colloquial term, gaaf is typically avoided in formal writing or official contexts. It can function as an interjection, as in “Dat is gaaf!” meaning “That is cool!” or be used in constructions such as “een gaaf toestel” (a cool gadget) or in phrases like “Dat ziet er gaaf uit” meaning “That looks great.”

Etymology and usage notes: The word is of Dutch origin with a long-standing presence in the language and has become a mainstay of casual speech in contemporary use. It does not have a direct, all-encompassing formal equivalent, though close synonyms include “tof,” “vet” (slang), and “geweldig” in more formal contexts. Gaaf is primarily a spoken, informal term and may be heard across various Dutch-speaking communities.

See also: Dutch language; slang; colloquial speech.