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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Usage [edit]
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 Scandinavian-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, 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.
Norway [edit]
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]
Allusions [edit]
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.
- 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 OOVVDA Winery in Springfield, MO that is a homonym for Uff da and is also an acronym - opened in 2005.[13]
- Uff-Da Tacos is a food stand based in Minneapolis-St. Paul suburb Stillwater, MN that travels to county fairs and other events across the Midwest.
- The Uff Da Mud Run is an athletic event in Grand Forks, North Dakota.[14]
- There is an UffDa Festival in Spring Grove, Minnesota-- which happens to be the first Norwegian settlement in Minnesota. Uffdafest.com
See also [edit]
References [edit]
- ^ 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". 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". Retrieved 2009-09-19.
- ^ Williams-Masson, Ellen (2006-03-15). "New Glarus Brew-haha on Tap". The Capital Times (Madison, Wisconsin).
- ^ "2009FargoMarathonNewsletter012009". Retrieved 2009-09-19.[dead link]
- ^ Panaracer Uff Da! 26 x 2.3 Urban Jumping Tire. Panaracer.
- ^ "FAA Information about Uff-da Airport (2WI1)". Retrieved 2009-09-19.
- ^ Williams, Beth. "Stoughton Group Wants Wal-mart Plan Reconsidered". Wisconsin State Journal (Madison, WI).
- ^ About OOVVDA Winery (OOVVDA)
- ^ "Uff Da Mud Run". Retrieved 2013-01-06.
Other sources [edit]
- 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 1-56619-815-1.
- Stangland, E. C. (1988-05). Uff Da Jokes. Norse Press. ISBN 0-9613274-0-5.
- Lein, Rob. "Vikings bumble in draft? Uff da". Bismarck Tribune (North Dakota).
