Датское выражение Hold da op: значение, происхождение и примеры использования

What does Hold da op mean? This expression translates literally to something along the lines of “Stop that”, with Hold op meaning “Stop”. Adding in da, a word which is almost impossible to translate, but adds emphasis, insistence, or surprise, gives it the colloquial twist that makes it an expression that Danes use every day, multiple times a day. Hold da op isn’t a way of telling people to physically stop. It’s used as an expression of amazement or disbelief. An English equivalent would be “Wow!”, “Oh my god!” or “No way!”. Where does Hold da op come from? Because this is a term used primarily in spoken Danish, which entered the language organically, it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly where and when it came from. However, it seems to have evolved naturally as an extension of telling someone to stop, similar to the English expression “Shut up!”: not actually telling someone to shut up, but a way of expressing disbelief. Why is Hold da op worth knowing? This expression is incredibly common in the Danish language, and if you have daily conversations in Danish, this is one you’re likely to come across every day. It’s a versatile expression, as it can be used as a reaction to everything from a beautiful sunset, to an outrageously high electricity bill. It’s also family friendly, being the safer alternative to Hold da kæft, which is also very common, but translates to “Holy shit”, and is therefore considered a swear word in many families with small children. Hold da op can safely be used in front of your boss, grandmother, and your friend's six year old without offending anyone. Examples Hold da op! Jeg er lige blevet tilbudt jobbet! “No way! I was just offered the job!” 15.000 kroner for at reparere taget? Hold da op det var dyrt. “15,000 kroner to fix the roof? Blimey, that’s expensive.” Hold da helt op, hvor gør det ondt. “Oh my god, that’s so painful.”