svakalega

Svakalega is an Icelandic adverb that translates to "very," "extremely," or "awfully" in English. It is frequently used to intensify adjectives and adverbs, indicating a high degree of a particular quality or state. The word is a common colloquialism in modern Icelandic and is widely understood across the country.

The usage of svakalega is similar to that of "very" in English, but it often carries a slightly stronger or more informal connotation. For example, one might say "Þetta er svakalega gott" meaning "This is extremely good." It can also be used in a more negative context, such as "Það var svakalega kalt" meaning "It was awfully cold." The versatility of svakalega allows it to be applied to a wide range of situations and emotions.

While its literal meaning is straightforward, the emotional weight or specific nuance of svakalega can sometimes depend on the context and the speaker's intonation. It is a word that adds emphasis and color to everyday conversation in Iceland. It is not a formal word and is generally avoided in academic or highly formal writing.