slingrande

Slingrande is a Swedish adjective meaning winding or meandering, used to describe objects or forms that follow a sinuous, serpentine course. It is commonly applied to natural features such as rivers and coastlines, as well as man-made pathways like roads or railways, and can also describe a narrative or line of argument that moves in a winding, non-linear way.

Etymology and form: slingra is the verb meaning to wind or coil. The present participle form slingrande functions as an adjective, and can be used both attributively (en slingrande flod, en slingrande väg) and predicatively (floden slingrade sig fram genom dalen). The term conveys a sense of irregular, twisting movement rather than smooth curvature.

Usage and nuances: slingrande emphasizes visual or spatial complexity—often implying picturesque scenery or a challenging route. It contrasts with terms for straight or direct forms, such as rak/rakt. In literature, slingrande descriptions can contribute to a sense of adventure, uncertainty, or change in direction. The word is typical in geography, travel writing, and landscape narration, but is also found in metaphorical uses to describe meandering plans or conversations.

Examples: Den slingrande vägen slingrade sig genom bergen innan den nådde dalen. Floden slingrade sig långt innan den förenades med havet. Berättelsen tog en slingrande väg med flera tidsförskjutningar och återblickar.

See also: meandring, serpentine (litterär användning in various språk).