Breakdown of Djöfullinn, þetta var dýrt!
þetta
this
vera
to be
dýr
expensive
djöfullinn
the devil (curse word, stronger)
Questions & Answers about Djöfullinn, þetta var dýrt!
Wait, doesn't djöfullinn literally mean "the devil"? Why is it translated as "damn"?
Yes, it literally means "the devil". However, in Icelandic, religious terms are very commonly used as profanity. Djöfullinn is used much like "damn", "hell", or even stronger swear words in English to express sudden emotion or frustration.
The translation says "that was expensive", but doesn't þetta mean "this"? Why not use það?
Þetta does literally mean "this", but Icelandic often uses it in situations where English speakers naturally say "that". When referring to a general situation or something you just experienced (like looking at a high bill), þetta is the most natural choice.
Why does the adjective end with a -t here (dýrt) instead of just dýr?
The adjective must agree with the pronoun it describes. Since þetta is a neuter pronoun, the adjective dýr (expensive) takes its neuter singular form, which is dýrt. You use this neuter form when describing general situations, abstract concepts, or pointing to a situation with þetta.
Is it common to use the definite article (the -inn part of djöfullinn) when swearing?
Yes! When used as a standalone exclamation, Icelandic swear words usually take the definite article. You will frequently hear djöfullinn (the devil), andskotinn (the adversary), and fjandinn (the fiend) used in exactly this way.