grattis

Grattis is the Swedish word for 'congratulations.' It functions as an exclamation or greeting used to acknowledge celebrations or achievements. It is commonly heard in phrases such as Grattis på födelsedagen ('Happy birthday') and Grattis till examen ('Congratulations on your graduation').

Usage and register: It is informal and widely used among friends, family, and colleagues. In more formal writing or speech, people may opt for the verb 'gratulera' or fixed phrases like 'gratulera till' rather than the standalone 'grattis.' In everyday communication, 'Grattis!' is often used on social media, cards, and messages.

Etymology and related language: The exact historical origin of 'grattis' is not widely documented, but it is a fixed expression in modern Swedish. It is semantically connected to 'gratulera' (to congratulate), which belongs to the same family of words related to celebration and gratitude in the Scandinavian languages.

Cultural note: The usage of 'grattis' spans private celebrations and public acknowledgments, appearing in newspapers, broadcasts, and advertising where a celebratory tone is needed. It is sometimes stylized in informal contexts as 'Grattis!' with an exclamation mark to emphasize enthusiasm.