avslappet

Avslappet is a Scandinavian adjective meaning relaxed, laid-back, or informal. It is used in Norwegian Bokmål and Danish with the sense of being not tense or formal, and it has a closely related form in Swedish as avslappad (and its neuter/definite forms vary by dialect and usage). The word derives from the verb phrase slappe av or slappa av, meaning to relax or loosen, with a suffix that turns the idea into an adjective.

In Norwegian, avslappet is commonly used to describe people, atmospheres, and styles. Examples include en avslappet atmosfære (a relaxed atmosphere) and han ser avslappet ut (he looks relaxed). In Danish, afslappet functions similarly, as in et avslappet menneske or en afslappet stemning, conveying ease, lack of formality, or simplicity.

The term often conveys a casual, easygoing demeanor or mood, and it can apply to environments, social interactions, work cultures, or fashion that prioritize comfort over formality. Antonyms include words for being tense, stressed, or formal. The word frequently appears in journalism, lifestyle writing, and everyday speech to characterize a vibe or approach that avoids rigidity or pressure.

Related linguistic forms in the Scandinavian languages include noun forms for relaxation or release of tension, such as relaxation terms in the respective languages (for example, afslapning in Norwegian or afslapning/avspänning in related contexts). While avslappet is the general descriptive form in Norwegian and Danish, Swedish speakers may use avslappad as the straightforward equivalent, with nuanced difference in usage across contexts.