Thursday 22 October 2020

Pålegg Or Opsony?

Pålegg [pronounced paw-leg] is a Norwegian word. I learned it recently on Carole's Blog. It basically means 'spread' or 'something-to-put-on-a-slice-of-bread'. I was intrigued, I knew about smorgasbord, the Scandinavian open sandwiches, but didn't realise there was a name for the topping. I investigated further. One writer sniffily declared that those who say there is no direct English equivalent are wrong, because we Brits have the word opsony. Well that was a new word for me too. It comes from the Latin opsonium, and was in use till about 1800. So now when Bob suggests a snack, perhaps some bread or toast, I can ask him "What opsony would you like, darling?" 

Most of the time, my preferred opsony would be Marmite. 

His would be crunchy peanut butter. Just occasionally we have both - a thin smear of Marmite, topped with PB. 

So you'd have expected us to like this new product. But sadly we tried it and we're disappointed. It didn't taste right at all and the nut pieces were too... regular. We shall keep to our separate opsonies, and only mix them occasionally! 

What's your favourite opsony? 

PS - I also like lingonberry jam from IKEA - but being Scandinavian that would have to be described as a pålegg


11 comments:

  1. Not a word I'm likely to remember!
    (Marmalade for breakfast for me)

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    1. Marmalade is definitely a breakfast favourite

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  2. I like Le Roule garlicky soft cheese or just plain butter. A bit of Marmite will also suffice.

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  3. I learned two new words, today, thanks to your post! I like butter and jam on my bread, please. :)

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  4. I was a bit surprised today when I saw the title on your post :) I have sometimes missed an English word for pålegg! But since it sounds like opsony is not a common used word, it may not be to help. And pålegg is really all you can put on a slice of bread. Also cheese, ham and other cut meat, and fish. So I will say my favorite pålegg is cheese.

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    1. I'm ashamed to admit it is the only Norwegian word I know - your English vocabulary is SO good. Fresh bread with butter and a thick slice of good ham makes a delicious lunch

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  5. Love Marmite, loathe peanut butter. The lingonberry jam from Ikea is wonderful, and when we were living near an Ikea it was always something that I bought.

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    1. The IKEA Foodhall has some interesting stock - their cloudberry jam is pleasant, but rather too expensive. Lingonberry is good on toast AND served alongside meatballs!

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  6. A new word! Fab! Will have to decide on my opsony for lunch. cheers

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