Hånfulla

Hånfulla is a Swedish adjective meaning “contemptuous” or “scornful,” used to describe expressions, attitudes, or remarks that express disdain or ridicule. It is commonly applied to descriptions of looks, tones, or commentary that convey strong disapproval.

The base form hånfull is used in the singular, while hånfulla is the plural form used to modify plural nouns. The neuter singular adverbial form is hånfullt. The related noun hånfullhet means contemptuousness or scornfulness. Etymologically, hånfull comes from hån in Swedish (derision, contempt) and the suffix -full (full of).

Usage notes: hånfulla is a strong evaluative term and typically appears in formal or literary registers, press reporting, and opinion writing, as well as in everyday language when describing overt disrespect or ridicule. It is more emphatic than nedlåtande (condescending) or förlöjande (ridiculing), though there is overlap in nuance.

Examples:

- Hånfulla blickar greeted the speaker. Translation: Contemptuous looks greeted the speaker.

- Kommentaren var hånfull och nedlåtande. Translation: The remark was scornful and condescending.

- De möttes av hånfulla tillrop i debatten. Translation: They were met with scornful shouts in the debate.

See also: hån (derision), hånfullhet (contemptuousness), nedlåtande (condescending), förlöjande (ridiculing), sarkastisk (sarcastic).