óþekkr

The Old Norse word "óþekkr" is an adjective that translates to "unpleasant," "disagreeable," or "annoying" in modern English. It is composed of the prefix "ó-" which negates the meaning of the following word, and "þekkr," meaning "pleasant" or "dear." Therefore, "óþekkr" literally signifies something that is not pleasant.

This term appears in various Old Norse texts, often describing negative qualities of individuals, situations, or even abstract concepts. For example, a character in a saga might be described as óþekkr if they are ill-mannered or cause trouble. It could also be used to characterize an unpleasant atmosphere or a disagreeable task.

The usage of "óþekkr" reflects a common linguistic strategy in Old Norse, where negation prefixes are frequently employed to form antonyms. Understanding this word provides insight into the vocabulary used to express negative sentiment and judgment in the Old Norse language. It highlights the directness with which such feelings could be conveyed.