Uff da
Uff da (sometimes also spelled huffda, uff-da, uffda, uff-dah, oofda, ufda, ufdah, oofta, uf daa, or ufta) is an expression of Norwegian origin adopted by Scandinavian-Americans in the 19th century. It is an exclamation that is relatively common in parts of the Pacific Northwest and Upper Midwestern states of the United States.[1]
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[edit] Usage
Uff da is often used in the Pacific Northwest and Upper Midwest as a term for sensory overload. It can be used as an expression of surprise, astonishment, exhaustion, relief and sometimes dismay. For many, Uff da is an all-purpose expression with a variety of nuances, and covering a variety of situations. The expression has lost its original connotation, and it is increasingly difficult to specify what it means now in America. Within Scandanavian-American culture, Uff da frequently translates into: I am overwhelmed. It has become a mark of Scandinavian roots, particularly for people from North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, northern Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and enclaves in and around Seattle, Washington.[2][3] Uff da can often be used as an alternative for many common day swear words.
[edit] Norway
In Norwegian, uff or huff is an interjection used when something is unpleasant, uncomfortable, hurtful, annoying, sad, or irritating.[4] Uff da is most often used as a response when hearing something lamentable (but not too serious), and could often be translated as Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.[5]
[edit] Allusions
The following are some examples of how Uff da has become established in parts of the upper Midwest of the United States, often in a humorous way.
- UFF Da Soaps and Lotions sells hand-crafted, all natural soaps and lotions via the internet.
- Uffda store in Red Wing, Minnesota selling various Scandinavian and Minnesotan souvenirs, craft, gifts, and folk art.[6]
- The Uff da Mountain Boys is a band from the Fergus Falls, Minnesota area, playing Scandinavian and bluegrass music.[7]
- New Glarus Brewing Company markets a brand of beer called Uff-da Bock [8]
- The logo of the Fargo Marathon includes the phrase 26.2 miles ... Uffda![9]
- Panaracer, a Bicycle tire maker, has a tire type called Uff Da! . It is intended for urban Dirt Jumping use.[10]
- Uff Da Airport (2WI1) is located in Stoughton, Wisconsin.[11]
- A citizens' group called Uff-Da Wal-Mart campaigned against the construction of a Wal-Mart Supercenter in Stoughton, Wisconsin.[12]
- There is an OOf-da Taco franchise in Erskine, MN that's been open since 1982.[13]
- There is an OOVVDA Winery in Springfield, MO that is a homonym for Uff da and is also an acronym - opened in 2005.[14]
- Westby, WI is home to a general store which is called the Uff Da Mart
- The Uff Da Brat at the Minnesota State Fair in the Food Building.
- Uff Da Hill Road on Orcas Island, Washington.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Uff Da: Norwegian-American expressivity (Tormod Kinnes. The Gold Scales)
- ^ Clark, Jayne. "True blue North? You betcha!". USA Today.
- ^ Lovoll, Odd S. The Promise Fulfilled: A Portrait of Norwegian Americans Today (Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 1998)
- ^ "Søk i Bokmåls- og Nynorskordboka". http://www.dokpro.uio.no/ordboksoek.html. Retrieved 2009-09-19.
- ^ Haugen, Einar Norwegian American Dictionary/Norsk engelsk ordbok (University of Wisconsin. 1985) ISBN 0-299-03874-2
- ^ Writers, John Ewoldt; Lynn Underwood; Staff. "Dollars & sense; What's in store in Red Wing?". Star Tribune (Minneapolis, Minn.).
- ^ "Enderlin Independent: North Dakota". http://www.enderlinindependent.com/4DLink2/4dcgi/Get_News_Story/PB100069/PB100069-3495/1. Retrieved 2009-09-19.
- ^ Williams-Masson, Ellen (2006-03-15). "New Glarus Brew-haha on Tap". The Capital Times (Madison, Wisconsin).
- ^ "2009FargoMarathonNewsletter012009". http://www.fargomarathon.com/newsletter/2009jan20.html. Retrieved 2009-09-19.[dead link]
- ^ Panaracer Uff Da! 26 x 2.3 Urban Jumping Tire. Panaracer. http://www.amazon.com/Panaracer-Uff-Urban-Jumping-Tire/dp/B001CJZ2B0/.
- ^ "FAA Information about Uff-da Airport (2WI1)". http://www.airport-data.com/airport/2WI1/. Retrieved 2009-09-19.
- ^ Williams, Beth. "Stoughton Group Wants Wal-mart Plan Reconsidered". Wisconsin State Journal (Madison, WI).
- ^ OOf-da Tacos''
- ^ About OOVVDA Winery (OOVVDA)
[edit] Other sources
- Allen, Harold B. 1973. The Linguistic Atlas of the Upper Midwest, Volume 1. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press.
- Haugen, Einar. 1957. Beginning Norwegian: a grammar and reader. Appleton-Century-Crofts.
- Mohr, Howard. 1987. How to talk Minnesotan : a visitor's guide. New York, NY: Penguin Books.
- Stangland, E. C. (1987). Red Strangland's Norwegian Home Companion. Barnes and Noble. ISBN 1566198151.
- Stangland, E. C. (1988-05). Uff Da Jokes. Norse Press. ISBN 0961327405.
- Lein, Rob. "Vikings bumble in draft? Uff da". Bismarck Tribune (North Dakota).
