paroolSep 19, 2026, 01:00

From porem and gap to yusu: choose your favorite from these ten Amsterdam words

Het Parool has compiled a list of ten words deemed the most iconic to Amsterdam, following hundreds of reader submissions. The list features a mix of historical Yiddish terms and contemporary street slang, with the final winner set to be announced in October.

Readers of the Dutch newspaper Het Parool have submitted hundreds of words following a search for the most representative Amsterdam term. A three-person jury evaluated these submissions, noting a strong presence of Yiddish-derived vocabulary alongside modern street slang. The goal was to identify words that define the Amsterdam identity, balancing nostalgia with contemporary language usage.

The final selection of ten nominees includes iconic classics like achenebbisj and bijgoochem, as well as modern street terms such as gap, lijp, and skeer. Other finalists like brasa, haarlemmerdijkie, mazzel, and porem highlight the cultural diversity and colorful expressions native to the city. The winning word will be announced on October 3rd as part of the upcoming Groot Amsterdams Dictee 2026, with the public invited to cast their votes online to determine the favorite.

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Based on reporting by parool. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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