hedenhös

Swedish

Etymology

From Old Swedish hedhnom hø̄s, heydhin hø̄s, equivalent to heden (“heathen”) + hös, where hös is of uncertain origin. Possibly related to Icelandic haus (“skull”), meaning burial mound or possibly funerary urn in this compound.

Noun

hedenhös

  1. (somewhat dated, in some expressions) heathen times
  2. (somewhat dated, in some expressions, figuratively) a long, long time ago, time immemorial
    Synonym: urminnes tider (“time immemorial”)
    De har bott där sedan hedenhös
    They have lived there since time immemorial

Usage notes

Somewhat rare. Likely only recognized by many native speakers from the title of the children's book series Barna Hedenhös (The Hedenhös children).

References
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