The Great Case of Full Cool
Yesterday’s comments have evolved from talking Belgrade to talking slang… Namely, The Great case of Full Cool has surfaced once again and perhaps it is time that we try to put it to rest once and for all.
Even though the phenomemon of using English words in Slovene is best known for the term “full cool” it goes way beyond that and can (arbitrarily) be divided into three groups:
1. Words that have been adopted into coloquial/slang Slovene
These (usually) words have been adopted into everyday language, when written they usualy take on Slovene grammatical form but their meaning is the same both in Slovene as well as in English:
Example:
Cool (eng), Kul (slo) - both meaning something good, agreeable or nice. The word has been around for ages and looks like it’s here to stay
Sure (eng), Šur (slo) - both being affirmative, confirmatory. In late 80s “Šur” was developed into “šur da” (literally: sure, yes). It was gradually replaced in the 90s by Serbian “valjda”
Sorry (eng), Sori (slo) - both expressing remorse - true or sarcastic. Also used to politely start a conversation or ask a question. A no brainer. My guess is its been around from early 90s on:)
2. Words that have been “hijacked” and have had their meaning changed
Not many of those, but the ones that do exist prove that Slovenian is an adaptable language.
Examples:
Full (eng), Ful (slo) - English version is a quantificator (expressing a quantity of something - usually a lot of it), however, the Slovenian version is a qualificator (adding gravitas to the usually suceeding adjecitve). Thus ful kul denotes something that is really, really cool (so cool its ice cold). It can also be used for negative conotations (ful bed - more on that shortly). The word has been around for as long as I can remember.
Bad (eng), Bed (slo) - initially both meaning -well- something bad, but Slovene version was soon expanded to include meanings of remorse and similar feelings (A: my car broke down. B: Oh, bad). To the best of my knowledge the word entered sland at the end of 90s.
To cancel (eng), Skenslati (slo) - originatin within Slovene IT community, it described aborting any computer-related procedure. It was soon picked up by general public and its meaning expanded to shutting off any electronic device, breaking off relations with other people or otherwise eliminations objects and people in one’s vicinity: (This kind is a real pain in the ass. Cancel him). Its rise coincides with the rise of IT in Slovenia
3. Words which kept their meaning, are not slang but are used nevertheless
Probably the most obnoxcious type. Usually used by wannabes of all walks of life, most notably in Ljubljana. Speakers use diminiutives wherever posible (thus “sori” becomes “sorči”). Anyone using it should be shot on the spot. Examples:
Sorči k lajfam
Sorry (excuse me) for living
Greva dogija vokat
Let’s go walk the dog
Model se je z rufa skenslu
Dude “canceled himself” from the roof
Kruzam s karom
I cruise around in my car
Greva na drinko
Let’s go for a drink
Luckily none of these gained popularity of “full cool”. So… Did I miss anything? Please, fill in the blanks 
Thursday, July 19th, 2007
