You might not know how to say it, but you've probably heard of "hygge" by now. (It's "hoo-ga," by the way.) The Danish concept of hygge has been defined as "coziness," "being aware of a good moment whether it's simple or special," and "a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being." Right! Got it! ...I think.
Even if non-Danish people find it difficult to nail down the exact meaning of hygge, it definitely sounds like something I'd be into. In the depths of winter, no single idea is more appealing to me than being cozy and comfy. But since the concept is burgeoning in popularity outside its native Denmark, and being called the lifestyle successor to Marie Kondo's Konmari, I thought it was worth trying to really get to the heart of it.
But, not being Danish and all that, I couldn't do it on my own. I needed an expert, and who better than Meik Wiking, author of The Little Book of Hygge? As the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, an organization that focuses on well-being and quality of life, Wiking decided to look a little closer at hygge. "Denmark's position as one of the happiest countries in the world has created a lot of media interest," he told ELLE.com. "Denmark does have a strong social safety net, but so do other Scandinavian countries and Denmark still ranks highest on happiness surveys. I came to realize that there might be an overlooked ingredient in the Danish recipe for happiness—hygge."
It's obvious that certain things—like candles, books, blankets, and cushions—are hygge. Excellent. But to help me narrow down the concept of hygge, or hyggelig ('hygge-like'), I asked Wiking to explain whether the following everyday items, which make me feel happy, cozy, and comforted, fit in with this all-important idea. Are dogs hygge? What about Tom Hiddleston? Get your hygge on below.
There is a continuing controversy about whether leggings are acceptable as pants. But are they hygge?
Danish fashion is sleek, minimalistic, elegant, but not highly strung. In many ways, it is a sweet spot between hygge and minimalistic functional design. Danes like bulky tops, so a combination of hand-knitted wool sweaters, jumpers, cardigans, and pullovers on top, and black leggings will give you the balance between hygge and fashion. Sweaters can be bulky but never sloppy.
I love dogs—are they hygge? Does the size of the dog matter? Is a big dog more hygge than a small dog? Are there animals that are more hygge than others?
I love dogs, too. In fact, I can hardly walk by a dog without patting it. To me there is nothing more hyggelig than having a dog by your feet, while you are sitting reading a book. As to whether one animal is more hygge than others—remember, hygge is not about competition.
The concept of Netflix and chill?
If we are speaking literally, then yes, this is hygge.
Ugg boots and snuggies are considered ugly, but they're very warm and cozy. Are they hygge?
Hygge is about comfort so these can be hygge. But you can also try good woolen socks that have some nice texture with your boots and throw instead.
Hear me out on this one—what about Drake in the "Hotline Bling" video? I mean, he's wearing a very chunky, cozy turtleneck sweater and a big red puffy jacket. But he's lonely. Hygge or not hygge?
I just watched this video. I say no, because hygge is all about togetherness and, as you say, he's lonely.
What about thinking about favorite celebrities/future husbands, like Tom Hiddleston?
Not hygge. This just doesn't embody any of the cornerstones of hygge.
Dammit. Okay: karaoke. It can be super loud and raucous—but also entertaining in a small group. Does that count?
It is common knowledge that the best part of memories is making them. A tradition with family and friends—like playing board games on the first Friday of every month, or celebrating the summer solstice, or even karaoke—will knit your group more tightly together over the years. Yes, hygge.
Lazy CBF dinners of eggs on toast or frozen pizza?
Light some candles and put these on some ceramic plates and, yes, this can be hygge. It would be even more hyggelig if you eat with a friend or two.
Watching addictive videos online, such as makeup tutorials?
Not hygge. Presence is an important part of the hygge manifesto and chances are if you are watching video after video you aren't being present in the moment.
Drinking wine?
Hygge is about being kind to yourself and giving yourself a treat, so, yes, this is hygge. For even more hygge, make glogg, or mulled wine.
Togetherness is, as I understand it, hyggelig—but what about group chats or group text messages?
Sort of hygge. This is a way to stay connected to your friends and family, but it's not as hygge as actually getting together.
Snow days—i.e. those days when it's too cold and snowy outside to do anything, and you let go of all your responsibilities?
Sounds like a perfect hyggelig day.
