rattkosta

Rattkosta is a Swedish colloquial term. It literally translates to "rat cost" or "wheel cost." The term is often used to describe an unexpectedly high or exorbitant price for something perceived as trivial or insignificant. It implies a feeling of being overcharged for something that should be relatively inexpensive.

The phrase might be used in situations where a small item or service carries a surprisingly large price tag. For example, someone might exclaim "vilken rattkosta!" (what a rat cost!) when faced with the bill for a small item at a tourist trap or when a minor repair unexpectedly costs a lot of money. It carries a sense of disbelief and sometimes indignation at the perceived unfairness of the price.

While not a formal economic term, "rattkosta" effectively communicates a common consumer frustration. It highlights the subjective nature of value and how perceived unfairness in pricing can lead to the adoption of such expressive colloquialisms. The term is informal and generally used in casual conversation among Swedish speakers.