Pyt – Behind the Scenery

When a word continues to appear on my radar, I need to pay attention.

I first heard about Pyt last year. The Danish Library Association chose Pyt as the nation’s favourite word. I was immediately intrigued. The Danes are known as the happiest people on Earth. I want to know their secret.

This is the same culture that coined a favourite word, hygge, a few years ago. I easily adopted hygge as a way to relax and destress. Reading, cocooning, snuggling, a feeling of contentment. A favourite way to spend my time.

Long Beach, Vancouver Island

Now the word Pyt has surfaced. I have read a variety of translations describing the meaning of this word, how to pronounce it and when to use it. I understand how a cultural word may not be easily translated into the English language. I speak German, and we have words that do not directly translate into an English word.

Pyt (‘pid’) is used for minor frustrations and annoyances. Pyt is used to express ‘don’t worry’, ‘accept it’, ‘move on.’ weblink link

When I read further about Pyt, I found out that the Danes had even created a button with Pyt on it. When you press this button you will hear the Pyt word. A reminder to pause, gain perspective and let it go.

photo credit: Karen Rossinger

I could see how a physical symbol would help the expression Pyt seep into a culture’s language and values. I had a Happy Face button. The Happy Face emoji is still a part of popular communication. 😊

The underlying message that continues to surface for me is “acceptance.” This concept is emphasized in one of my favourite books, “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz. In 2017 my one word intention was “acceptance.”

I still need to be reminded to accept the things I cannot change.

I am usually a glass-half-full kind of person. Yet, we all have stresses in our life, even the Danes. Many of us use strategies to gain perspective, like walking in nature, meditation and creative outlets. The Danes also use words to help prompt a more peaceful, happy life.