/ˈlɑːˌɡɔm/
UrsprungThe adjective is attested since 1637, from the plural dative form of lag (“law”), so literally "with the laws". The adverb is attested since 1675.
A common folk etymology states that it comes from laget om, meaning "to the whole team, group, retinue". The idea is that this is from the time of Viking long houses, where everyone would gather and drink mead and eat. In order for the mead not to run out, everyone would take not too little and not too much, so that there would be enough for the whole group.
- right, fitting, neither too much nor too little
“Soppan är lagom saltad.” — The soup is salted just right.
“Den här lägenheten är precis lagom stor för min dotter.” — This apartment is just the right size for my daughter.
- indeclinable, not-comparableright, fitting, neither too much nor too little
“Är kaffet för varmt? —Nej, det är lagom.” — Is the coffee too hot? —No, it's just right.
Formermer lagom(comparative) · mest lagom(superlative)