• @toynbee@lemmy.world
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      23 hours ago

      I see this and another comment saying “tja” and both have upvotes. However, I don’t understand the … Joke? Is it a joke? Or a reference?

      Any enlightenment would be very much appreciated.

      edit: Just noticed the title of this post is also “tja.” Still don’t get it.

      • Björn TantauOP
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        523 hours ago

        It’s a German expression. Mostly used to comment on a negative situation in a slightly disparaging way while recognising the negativity and futility. The closest English word is “well”.

        I couldn’t think of a fitting title.

          • Mad_Punda
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            12 hours ago

            In Swedish, ”tja” is an informal greeting, and so is ”tjena”. A usual exchange at the checkout of my local grocery store would be:
            ”Tja!”
            ”Tjena!”
            ”Kvitto?” (Receipt?)
            ”Nej tack” (No thanks)
            While trying not to make eye contact because we don’t do that here.

            (Btw, the German and Swedish ”tja” are pronounced differently, so this joke works only in text.)