The Negative Prefix ó-
In Icelandic, you can easily create the opposite of an adjective by adding the prefix ó- to the beginning of the word. It behaves exactly like the English prefixes "un-", "in-", or "dis-". For example, if þrifalegur means "hygienic", adding the prefix gives us óþrifalegur (unhygienic).
This prefix is highly productive, meaning you can attach it to a vast number of base adjectives to instantly double your descriptive vocabulary. If boðlegur means "acceptable", then óboðlegur means "unacceptable".
Declension and Agreement
Adjectives with the ó- prefix decline exactly like their base adjectives. They still must agree with the noun they describe in gender, number, and case, and they still take both strong and weak forms.
Notice how velkominn becomes the feminine plural óvelkomnar when describing rats, but takes the masculine singular óvelkominn when describing a single male guest.
Describing an Infestation
This negative prefix is perfect for describing extreme or stressful situations. Words like óhræddur (unafraid), óeðlilegur (abnormal), and óviðráðanlegur (uncontrollable) are just standard adjectives with an ó- placed at the front.
Calling the Professional
When the pests are truly óviðráðanleg, it is time to call for a professional. The word for exterminator is a compound word: meindýr (pest) + eyðir (destroyer/eliminator).
