VOTE: What’s the Most Truly European Word?
Europe — a delicious mix of languages, cultures, and rituals. But some words just feel extra European.
Whether it's a phrase that travels across borders or a vibe we all understand (like sipping at a sidewalk café or putting things off till mañana), we’re hunting for the one word that best symbolizes Europe.
🌍 Which word says “This is us”? Let’s vote!
Scroll the shortlist, pick your favorite, and help crown the ultimate European expression.
Café
The word, the lifestyle, the moment. A small cup, a small table, and hours of conversation. “Café” is the spirit of Europe’s cities & sidewalks.
The word café is used in France, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, and more — this word captures Europe’s love of social sipping and slow moments.
Bottlecap (EU)
That moment when your cap won’t come off — and you realize, “Oh. EU law.”
Love it or laugh at it, it’s a symbol of European togetherness through shared rules, even for the little things. It's our favorite Brussels moment-in-miniature.
Cool
One of the most borrowed and beloved English words. Used in every European country (often with local accents: kúl, kul, kool...), it’s the default response to good news, nice plans, or something stylish. Whether you're in Budapest, Brussels, or Bergen — “cool” is always, well, cool.
Ciao
A word that’s both hello and goodbye — and always stylish.
Originally from Italy, but used daily in Austria, Switzerland, Czechia, Slovenia, Romania, Croatia, and parts of Germany and France. Ciao is short, sweet, and effortlessly cool. It’s the word that makes any farewell feel like “see you soon.”
Mañana
“Tomorrow” — or maybe the day after that.
A word that crossed borders and became a gentle joke. Used from Portugal to Italy to the Balkans when someone says “not right now,” but with a smile. Mañana doesn’t mean laziness — it means enjoying today. And in Europe, we get that.
Hygge
Warmth, candles, and quiet joy.
Born in Denmark, but loved from Berlin to Brussels and Stockholm to Strasbourg. Hygge (pronounced “hoo-guh”) describes those cozy, content moments: a fireplace, wool socks, cake with friends. In the dark months, all of Europe borrows a little Danish wisdom.
Wanderlust
That deep desire to travel and explore.
It might be a German word, but the feeling is universal in Europe — from Interrail teens to retirees campervanning through the Alps. Whether you're Polish, Swedish, or Slovenian, you’ve probably had wanderlust (and acted on it with a long weekend in a neighboring country).
Slava
Glory — and strength.
We all learned this word through Slava Ukraini (“Glory to Ukraine”) — a rallying cry that has become a continent-wide expression of support, courage, and unity. Spoken from Warsaw to Copenhagen, Tallinn to Madrid, Slava has entered our shared vocabulary as a word of resistance, respect, and hope.