ikkedømming

Ikkedømming is a Norwegian neologism describing the attitude or practice of withholding judgment about others' opinions, actions, or circumstances. The term is a compound of ikke (not) and dømming (judging) and is commonly used in discussions about empathy, tolerance, and constructive dialogue. It is often presented as a guiding principle in education, social media debates, and counseling contexts.

Origin and spread: Ikkedømming emerged in informal online Norwegian language, likely during the 2010s, and gained broader attention during the 2020s through blogs, social media campaigns, and educational resources focusing on inclusive communication. The term is mainly used in Bokmål and is recognized in several language communities, though it remains informal and is not yet widely codified in dictionaries.

Usage: As a concept, ikkedømming encourages listening actively, asking questions, and avoiding snap judgments or labelling. It is contrasted with criticizing or dismissing others' experiences. In practical terms, people may advocate ikkedømming in schools, workplaces, parenting, and online forums to foster respectful discussion and reduce stigma.

Reception and limitations: Advocates view ikkedømming as a practical ethic for better communication and social cohesion. Critics argue that complete non-judgment can neglect accountability or clarity in norms and policies. Some see it as a slogan that can be misused to suppress valid critical evaluation or to avoid addressing harmful behavior. As a relatively new term, its precise boundaries and potential applications continue to evolve.