röttblått

Röttblått is a compound Swedish term meaning “red-blue,” used in different contexts to describe both color and politics. In general use it denotes a blend or juxtaposition of red and blue elements, without implying a single standardized shade or political stance.

In color theory and design, röttblått refers to the hue produced by mixing red and blue. When applied to pigments, red and blue typically yield a violet or purple shade, with the exact tone depending on hue, saturation, and medium. In additive color systems, red combined with blue light produces magenta, while the result in practical design can range from deep purples to lighter lilac tones. It is a descriptive label rather than a fixed color name.

In Swedish political discourse, röttblått describes a landscape where red and blue blocs or ideologies are influential or where cross-bloc cooperation is discussed as a political possibility. Red commonly denotes left-leaning parties (such as Social Democrats and, in some contexts, the Left Party), while blue denotes center-right or conservative-leaning forces. The term is used descriptively to characterize elections, coalitions, or policy debates that involve both red and blue elements; it is not an official party label or a formal alliance like red-green or blue-blue coalitions. The meaning can vary with context and current political dynamics.

See also: political spectrum, red-green alliance, blue bloc.