Varieteten

Varieteten is the definite form of the Scandinavian noun varietet, meaning “the variety.” The term has several related senses.

In biology and horticulture, varietet refers to a variety, a taxonomic rank below species, describing populations with stable, heritable differences from the typical form. In Swedish, varietet or varieteten is used in formal descriptions of cultivated plants, animals, and genetic lines.

In cultural and entertainment contexts, varietet (varieté) denotes a form of performing arts that presents a sequence of distinct acts—song, dance, comedy, novelty acts—often as a revue. The term entered Nordic usage from French variété and is associated with theatres and music halls that specialized in eclectic programs. In many Swedish cities, venues were known colloquially as “varietén” or “varieteten” during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, reflecting the popular format of the era.

Modern usage tends to preserve the distinction: varietet as a botanical term and variety shows as a historical or stylistic reference, with varieteten appearing mainly in historical descriptions or as a proper name for venues. The related English term is “variety” and the French origin is “variété.”