Latvian slang
As a relatively small language, Latvian has been influenced by a lot of other larger languages. Of course, also the historic influence has left a lot of words from other languages in our daily speech. If the older generations still tend to use words influenced by German, the youngest generations are highly influenced by English and pop culture from the other side of the ocean. But there are occasional words also from other languages. Nowadays we even have official slang dictionaries. And although we work a lot to localize all the English terms sometimes the language moves faster than we can approve the correct terminology in Latvian. The State Language agency has launched the initiative vards.valoda.lv to localize the typical new slang words and you can also participate in the movement by submitting your words and their explanations.
So, let’s look at some slang words you will probably hear while in Latvia.
Latvians tend to greet close friends and people they have known for a while with the word “Čau!” just as Italians say “ciao”.
If you want to ask for a pillow, you can ask for “spilvens”, but the older generation would still call it “ķisens” from the German word “Kissen”.
“Kancelot” is the direct usage of the English word “cancel”, and the suggested usage of the Latvian term would be “atcelt”.
“Ša” is a slang word with the meaning “uzgaidi mirklīti” of “just a second”. “Ša” is the shortest version of the Russian word “счас”.
“Iečekot” meaning “take a look” or “check it out”, is also an English word, with a Latvian touch that has grown deep in daily usage.
“Piķis” if translated directly means “tar”, you know the black stuff that is used in roadmaking and for coating and preserving timber. Well, “piķis” is also a slang word for “money”. It will be simpler to just use the word “nauda”.
“Čista” is a word Latvians use quite often with the meaning “tiešām” or in English “indeed”. The origin also comes from the Russian word “чиста” meaning “clean”.
Smaller languages are often influenced by other languages especially now when accessibility of music, movies, and other digital content. Have you noticed any other words people use from other languages? Share with us in the comments!