långsökta

Långsökta is a Swedish adjective that translates to "far-fetched," "far-reaching," or "convoluted" in English. It is used to describe something that is overly complicated, improbable, or requires a significant stretch of the imagination to be considered plausible. The word is formed from the prefix "lång" meaning "long" and the verb "söka" meaning "to seek" or "to search." Thus, literally, it implies something that is a long search or a long way to reach a conclusion.

The term is often applied to explanations, arguments, theories, or even plans that seem unnecessarily complex or difficult to believe. For example, a convoluted plot in a story might be described as "långsökt." Similarly, an argument that relies on many unsupported assumptions to reach its conclusion could also be labeled as "långsökt." It suggests a lack of directness and an excessive effort to connect disparate ideas.

In everyday conversation, "långsökt" carries a slightly negative connotation, implying that the idea or explanation is not particularly strong or convincing. It suggests that a simpler, more direct approach would have been preferable or more logical. While it can be used humorously to describe something playfully improbable, its core meaning points to a lack of straightforwardness and an excessive, often unnecessary, mental leap. The opposite of "långsökt" might be something "enkel" (simple) or "självklart" (obvious).