menyvalg

Menyvalg is a Norwegian term meaning "menu choice" or "menu option." It designates the act of selecting an item from a list presented to a user and is used in both everyday contexts and information technology. In hospitality, menyvalg refers to choosing dishes, drinks, or courses from a written menu, with options organized by category, price, or dietary indication. In computing and software design, menyvalg describes choosing a command or setting from a menu, such as a drop-down, pull-down, or context menu. The user typically makes a selection by clicking, tapping, or using the keyboard, at which point the corresponding action is executed or a new screen or submenu is opened.

Menus are a common interface element because they present a structured set of options, can group related actions, and help control the available commands. In graphical user interfaces, menu items may include submenus, accelerators (keyboard shortcuts), and tooltips. Accessibility considerations for menyvalg include ensuring sufficient contrast, visible focus indicators, and keyboard operability to support screen readers and users who rely on non-pointer input.

Etymology: the word is formed from Norwegian meny ("menu") and valg ("choice"), reflecting a direct translation of the concept. See also related concepts such as menu bar, drop-down menu, and context menu, which describe specific implementations of the same underlying idea.