In Norway the Word “Texas” Has a Whole Other Meaning

Texas has a reputation around the world let's face it. Some good, some not so good. I remember my wife and I on a trip to Disney World in Orlando Florida. We were at Epcot sitting on a bench resting for a bit when a couple came and sat down next to us. We started chatting and found out they were from Essex England. They ask where we were from and when I said Texas their eyes immediately lit up and the husband was grinning from ear to ear and he said "Oh wow, I've always wanted to go there!"

Well, in Norway (home of the Vikings) Texas has a similar reputation. In one story, a fisherman recalled his encounter with a swordfish. He explained how he saw this fish hunting other fish near the surface and how it jumped out of the water very close to his boat. His exact words were "It was totally Texas".

You see, over there Texas is meant as "crazy". Not necessarily in a bad way. One Norwegian described it as "Exciting, intense and maybe a little scary all rolled into one". When they hear "Texas" they think of the old west, cowboys and shootouts. Which can be best described as exciting, intense and a little scary.

So next time you talk to a Norwegian, if they refer to something as a little "Texas", don't worry. It's a compliment.