motbjudande

Motbjudande is a Swedish adjective meaning repugnant, distasteful, or unacceptable, especially in relation to behavior, proposals, appearances, or content that provokes aversion or moral disapproval. It often signals a strong negative assessment and can be used in both formal and semi-formal contexts.

Etymology and nuance: The term is a compound of mot- (against, opposite) and bjudande (offering, presenting). The sense is that something is presented in a way that is against what is acceptable or desirable, often implying a breach of public norms or decency. It carries a stronger tone than many neutral descriptors.

Usage: Motbjudande can be placed before a noun or used predicatively. Examples include ett motbjudande förslag (a repugnant proposal) and Förslaget var motbjudande (the proposal was repugnant). The word can describe various domains, such as politics, media, social conduct, or aesthetics. It is typically reserved for situations where there is a pronounced reaction of disapproval, and it may convey moral or social impropriety as well as aversion to appearance or content.

See also and related terms: Avskyvärd, osmaklig, oacceptabel, stötande, or in milder tone, äcklig. Antonyms include tilltalande and acceptabel. Distinctions among these terms center on intensity and the moral versus sensory dimensions of the rejection.