Svajig

Svajig is a Swedish adjective meaning unstable, wobbly, or shaky. It is used for both physical instability—such as an object that tilts or sways—and for less tangible situations that feel precarious or uncertain, for example finances, plans, or support.

Etymology and formation: The word comes from the verb svaja, meaning to sway or wobble, combined with the common -ig suffix that forms adjectives. The form is productive in modern Swedish and varies with noun gender and number, for example en svajig stol (indefinite, common gender), ett svajigt bord (indefinite, neuter), svajiga stolar (plural), or the definite forms den svajiga stolen and det svajiga bordet.

Usage and nuance: Physically, svajig describes items that are not solid or secure, such as a svajigt bord or en svajig stol. Figuratively, it can describe fragile or uncertain situations, like svajig ekonomi, svajiga planer, or en svajig politisk position. While synonyms such as ostadig or skakig exist, svajig often conveys a sense of motion or lack of firm support rather than just weakness.

Grammar and variants: Adjectives in Swedish decline like other modifiers. Indefinite singular en-words take svajig (en svajig stol), and neuter ett-words take svajigt (ett svajigt bord). Plural forms are svajiga (de svajiga stolarna). In definite form, the adjectives correspond to den svajiga stolen and det svajiga bordet, respectively.

See also: Related terms include ostadig and osäker, which describe instability or insecurity in different nuances.