# Ask the Swedish guy **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [September 22, 2008, 9:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-swedish-guy/464659 "2008-09-22T09:16:53Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Dunderman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecb155/32.png) [@Dunderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dunderman)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2008, 9:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-swedish-guy/464659/1 "2008-09-22T09:16:53Z")
Well, the [Icelandic dude thread](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=482338&highlight=icelandic) garnered some interest and I don’t think I’ve ever done an “ask the X” thread, so here goes. Up front:[ul][li]We have a market economy. Really.[/li][li]Yes, we have a king. I don’t have to like it.[/li][_]I have never seen a polar bear in the wild.[_]I have seen the midnight sun, though.[\*][/ul]Ask away. ---
**Author:** ![Septima](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/dc4da7/32.png) [@Septima](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Septima)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2008, 10:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-swedish-guy/464659/2 "2008-09-22T10:04:18Z")
So, you guys still get paid in bananas? (If, you don’t get it, note my location) ---
**Author:** ![shantih](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f6c823/32.png) [@shantih](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shantih)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2008, 10:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-swedish-guy/464659/3 "2008-09-22T10:06:28Z")
How do you handle the dark winters? Is it depressing or a cozy time? ---
**Author:** ![Dunderman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecb155/32.png) [@Dunderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dunderman)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2008, 10:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-swedish-guy/464659/4 "2008-09-22T10:11:25Z")
> [@Septima](#): > > So, you guys still get paid in bananas? > > (If, you don’t get it, note my location) I noted your location… I still don’t get it. > [@shantih](#): > > How do you handle the dark winters? Is it depressing or a cozy time? I live at the southern tip of Sweden, so we have the brightest, shortest, mildest winters in the country, which probably still seem Arctic to someone from San Diego. I don’t find them that bad and never have, but it was worse when I went to school and when I had an ordinary 9-5 job and I got up when it was dark and got home when it was dark. I work nights now so I have days off and get my sunlight when I can. My main problem with the winters now is that they tend to be cold enough to really bother me but just warm enough to not be the gorgeous vast-fields-of-untouched-snow winters of my childhood. ---
**Author:** ![Illuminatiprimus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/illuminatiprimus/32/11520_2.png) [@Illuminatiprimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Illuminatiprimus)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2008, 10:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-swedish-guy/464659/5 "2008-09-22T10:15:48Z")
Not a question, more to say that having been to Sweden I can say it more than lived up to my expectations. I went to Gothenburg earlier this year and couldn’t believe just how good looking all the people were. I was also pleasantly surprised by how at how clean, orderly and pleasant the town was. If it weren’t for your winters I’d seriously think of moving. ---
**Author:** ![Dunderman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecb155/32.png) [@Dunderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dunderman)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2008, 10:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-swedish-guy/464659/6 "2008-09-22T10:24:22Z")
Gothenburg _is_ very nice. My favourite Swedish city and I have entertained thoughts of moving there myself. ---
**Author:** ![Illuminatiprimus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/illuminatiprimus/32/11520_2.png) [@Illuminatiprimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Illuminatiprimus)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2008, 10:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-swedish-guy/464659/7 "2008-09-22T10:52:25Z")
I couldn’t live in Gothenburg long term, it’s too small for me (having lived all my life in London). I’d probably move to Stockholm like every other gay man in Scandinavia. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![Septima](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/dc4da7/32.png) [@Septima](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Septima)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2008, 10:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-swedish-guy/464659/8 "2008-09-22T10:57:16Z")
Ok, sorry. You do realize we tell “stupid swede” stories in Norway, right? As far as I know, the same ones are told as “stupid norwegian” Stories in Sweden, and I just assumed this on was common. Anyway: Q: Why do swedes have such large pockets? A: Because they get paid in bananas. No offense to present company intended. ---
**Author:** ![Dunderman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecb155/32.png) [@Dunderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dunderman)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2008, 11:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-swedish-guy/464659/9 "2008-09-22T11:00:39Z")
That particular one I had never heard. ---
**Author:** ![Sofis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e5b9ba/32.png) [@Sofis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sofis)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2008, 11:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-swedish-guy/464659/10 "2008-09-22T11:50:11Z")
Politeness: I hope you don’t mind others chiming in, **Priceguy**. > [@shantih](#): > > How do you handle the dark winters? Is it depressing or a cozy time? I grew up in Luleå (northern Sweden, about 100 km south of the polar circle), and I kind of like the contrasts. It’s not fun when every hour of sunlight is spent indoors in school or at work of course, and more generally you start missing the light (and the dark, and the stars, during the summer), but long anticipation makes it all the better when you get what you want, you know? And the nice thing about anticipating astronomical events is that, barring world destroying cataclysms, you’re _never_ disappointed. I don’t have Seasonal affective disorder, though. I imagine I’d feel differently if I did. ---
**Author:** ![WormTheRed](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/bbe5ce/32.png) [@WormTheRed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WormTheRed)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2008, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-swedish-guy/464659/11 "2008-09-22T13:58:45Z")
I grew up in Sweden but moved away a few years ago, just before the last elections. I have thus had pretty limited insight into the impact that a right-leaning government has had, apart from what I’ve read on the internet (dn, svd, abl, expr\*) and what friends have told me. What would you Swedes say are the biggest differences? Are there really any noticable ones? \*Swedish newspapers (for you foreigners) ---
**Author:** ![TheLoadedDog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/35a633/32.png) [@TheLoadedDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheLoadedDog)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2008, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-swedish-guy/464659/12 "2008-09-22T14:02:19Z")
Were you exposed to the _Muppet Show_ and “Swedish Chef”? If so, how was that character received? I ask because I remember reading that when _Fawlty Towers_ was dubbed into Spanish, Manuel suddenly became an Italian. ---
**Author:** ![shantih](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f6c823/32.png) [@shantih](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shantih)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2008, 2:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-swedish-guy/464659/13 "2008-09-22T14:12:57Z")
Cool! Thanks for both replies! ---
**Author:** ![Dunderman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecb155/32.png) [@Dunderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dunderman)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2008, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-swedish-guy/464659/14 "2008-09-22T14:34:04Z")
> [@WormTheRed](#): > > I grew up in Sweden but moved away a few years ago, just before the last elections. I have thus had pretty limited insight into the impact that a right-leaning government has had, apart from what I’ve read on the internet (dn, svd, abl, expr\*) and what friends have told me. > > What would you Swedes say are the biggest differences? Are there really any noticable ones? For me, personally, that I’ve noticed? No. Then again, I’ve never been one to count my money as long as there is enough of it to keep me happy. I understand that some services are more expensive and some taxes are lower, but it’s not really something I’ve noticed myself. There is one thing that’s had some effects, though. You can now hire cleaning services and get a tax rebate amounting to half the cost of the cleaning service, which has driven under-the-table-type cleaners out of business and given legitimate cleaners a big boost. Lots of people take advantage of this. Personally, I’m split on the issue. > [@TheLoadedDog](#): > > Were you exposed to the _Muppet Show_ and “Swedish Chef”? If so, how was that character received? I’ve heard two Australians say that they were told by Swedes that the character is the Norwegian Chef in Sweden. Let me just say that this is totally false and must be part of some conspiracy among Swedes who go to Australia. For what nefarious purpose I cannot begin to speculate. I did watch the show and I found the character funny, no big deal. ---
**Author:** ![WormTheRed](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/bbe5ce/32.png) [@WormTheRed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WormTheRed)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2008, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-swedish-guy/464659/15 "2008-09-22T14:52:31Z")
> [@Priceguy](#): > > For me, personally, that I’ve noticed? No. Then again, I’ve never been one to count my money as long as there is enough of it to keep me happy. I understand that some services are more expensive and some taxes are lower, but it’s not really something I’ve noticed myself. > > There is one thing that’s had some effects, though. You can now hire cleaning services and get a tax rebate amounting to half the cost of the cleaning service, which has driven under-the-table-type cleaners out of business and given legitimate cleaners a big boost. Lots of people take advantage of this. Personally, I’m split on the issue. So “Pigdebatten” is finally over 🙂 You’re in southern Sweden - Malmö? How about those MFF 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Dunderman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecb155/32.png) [@Dunderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dunderman)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2008, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-swedish-guy/464659/16 "2008-09-22T14:53:57Z")
> [@WormTheRed](#): > > So “Pigdebatten” is finally over Oh, the debate is still going on. The difference is that now, there’s something to debate. > [@](#): > > You’re in southern Sweden - Malmö? How about those MFF 😉 Yes, Malmö. And no clue, I’m afraid, I don’t follow sports. ---
**Author:** ![Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spectre_of_pithecanthropus/32/12343_2.png) [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2008, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-swedish-guy/464659/17 "2008-09-22T15:34:51Z")
> [@Priceguy](#): > > I have never seen a polar bear in the wild. I didn’t know they live in Sweden, not considering zoos. Is Scandinavia anything like the emptier parts of the United States? That is, could Sweden or Norway in any way be compared to places like Kansas, Montana, and Idaho? What I mean is that, in the United States, those areas tend to be more conservative socially and culturally. Historically, they also seem to be a little more prone to coercive legislation with regard to such things as drinking. On the other hand, in just the same sorts of areas, a strong libertarian streak may manifest itself which counteracts the societal pressure. By making such a comparison I am thinking of Scandinavia in contrast to the rest of Europe. ---
**Author:** ![Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spectre_of_pithecanthropus/32/12343_2.png) [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2008, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-swedish-guy/464659/18 "2008-09-22T15:39:42Z")
> [@Septima](#): > > Ok, sorry. > > You do realize we tell “stupid swede” stories in Norway, right? As far as I know, the same ones are told as “stupid norwegian” Stories in Sweden, and I just assumed this on was common. > > Anyway: > > Q: Why do swedes have such large pockets? > > A: Because they get paid in bananas. > No offense to present company intended. Interesting, especially since “Stupid Swede/Norwegian” jokes made it to America. In the small immigrant farming communities of the northern Midwestern states, a hundred and more years ago, when most people still spoke Swedish or Norwegian. Small time comedians working those areas would adjust their material to fit the town they were in. ---
**Author:** ![ralph124c](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/8797f3/32.png) [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2008, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-swedish-guy/464659/19 "2008-09-22T15:42:13Z")
> [@Priceguy](#): > > I noted your location… I still don’t get it.I live at the southern tip of Sweden, so we have the brightest, shortest, mildest winters in the country, which probably still seem Arctic to someone from San Diego. I don’t find them that bad and never have, but it was worse when I went to school and when I had an ordinary 9-5 job and I got up when it was dark and got home when it was dark. I work nights now so I have days off and get my sunlight when I can. > > My main problem with the winters now is that they tend to be cold enough to really bother me but just warm enough to not be the gorgeous vast-fields-of-untouched-snow winters of my childhood. I recall National Geographic articles from the 1950’s-showing the Gulf of Bothnia freezing over. are the winters noticably warmer now? ---
**Author:** ![Dunderman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecb155/32.png) [@Dunderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dunderman)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2008, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-swedish-guy/464659/20 "2008-09-22T17:05:30Z")
> [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](#): > > I didn’t know they live in Sweden, not considering zoos. They don’t. > [@](#): > > Is Scandinavia anything like the emptier parts of the United States? That is, could Sweden or Norway in any way be compared to places like Kansas, Montana, and Idaho? What I mean is that, in the United States, those areas tend to be more conservative socially and culturally. Historically, they also seem to be a little more prone to coercive legislation with regard to such things as drinking. On the other hand, in just the same sorts of areas, a strong libertarian streak may manifest itself which counteracts the societal pressure. Sweden certainly has stricter alcohol legislation than most of Europe. We also have anti-prostitution laws (criminalizing the buying but not the selling) and fairly strict gambling laws (I have to admit that it gets even my goat a little bit that the only legal casinos are government-run). This isn’t true for Scandinavia as a whole though; Denmark has more liberal laws on at least the first two points. Not sure about the third. I definitely don’t think we’re more socially conservative than the rest of Europe. Same-sex civil unions became legalized fifteen years ago and there was basically no debate, no backlash, no fanfare. > [@ralph124c](#): > > I recall National Geographic articles from the 1950’s-showing the Gulf of Bothnia freezing over. are the winters noticably warmer now? Yes. I don’t have any figures, but my parents and grandparents have talked about being snowed in, which certainly doesn’t happen anymore. Heck, even I remember winters in the mid-80s the likes of which we haven’t seen since. How much of this is natural variation and how much is a permanent change? No idea. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-swedish-guy/464659.md?page=2)