'The word fika is proof, if proof were needed, that Sweden is the most civilised country in the world.' So said a friend of mine, and I believe it. What does fika mean? Fika is usually a noun, of common gender (en fika = a fika, fikan = the fika), and it means, roughly, 'morning or afternoon tea (or coffee), and a bun, or something like that, and hopefully a sit down and chat with a friend'. You won't find the word in every Swedish dictionary, but that makes no odds. Fika is proof of Swedish sophistication. The verb form is usually 'ta en fika'.

Other words not readily expressed in English:

Hygge, kawaii. See also innit.