sifji

Icelandic

Etymology

From the Old Norse sifi (“a relation by marriage, an affinis”) whence sifjungr (“a relation by affinity”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈsɪvjɪ/

Noun

sifji m (genitive singular sifja, nominative plural sifjar)

1. (poetic, dated) a close relation, a close relative
   • The first verse of the poem "Þó þú langförull legðir" by Stephan G. Stephansson

     Þó þú langförull legðir

     sérhvert land undir fót,

     bera hugur og hjarta

     samt þíns heimalands mót,

     frænka eldfjalls og íshafs!

     sifji árfoss og hvers!

     dóttir langholts og lyngmós!

     sonur landvers og skers!

     Even if you, who have travelled far,

     would journey every land there is,

     both your heart and mind would

     bear the mould of your native land,

     oh aunt of the volcano and sea of ice!

     oh relative of the waterfall and hot spring!

     oh son of the hills and skerry!