What does at have ondt i håret mean?
Literally, at have ondt i håret means “to have pain in the hair”, or “my hair hurts”.
Figuratively, however, it is a slang expression for having a hangover. It paints a humorous picture of being so hungover that even your hair follicles ache.
The actual Danish word for a hangover is “tømmermænd”, literally meaning “carpenter men”, the idea being that small men are hammering inside your head.
Another word you might use when you wake up from a night of heavy drinking, is bagstiv. Combining the words bag, meaning “behind”, and stiv, meaning “drunk”. Bagstiv is a term you’d use if you wake up and are still drunk from the night before.
Why is it worth knowing?
Danish culture likes its colloquialisms, dark humour and understatements. The textbook “tømmermænd” will get you far, but if you really want to show off your knowledge of the Danish language, “ondt i håret” will show a deeper knowledge of the language.
The term is also culturally relevant, as socialising and drinking often go hand-in-hand in Denmark, especially around events like Julefrokost (Christmas lunch). Telling your colleagues that your hair hurts is a playful, slightly self-deprecating way of admitting that you had a bit too much fun the night before.
Examples
Jeg har lidt ondt i håret i dag.
I have a bit of a hangover today.
Efter julefrokosten i går, tror jeg hele kontoret har ondt i håret.
After the Christmas party yesterday, I think the whole office is hungover.
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