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Somehow related, for non-US people, do you ever use or heard/read the term "loser" (or direct translation)? My hypothesis is that it's a very American concept,

Somehow related, for non-US people, do you ever use or heard/read the term "loser" (or direct translation)? My hypothesis is that it's a very American concept, as in I don't remember ever anyone outside the US/Canada use that word (same with "winner"). Like in Europe or South America for ex people would say somebody is a deadbeat or terrible at their job or lazy but not a loser (this may be just in my head).

kaffeemitsahne 7y ago
At least in the Netherlands, the word "loser" (in english) is used quite often.
- lazyant 7y ago
  thanks, -1 for my hypothesis. Well not totally, the fact that the original English word is used (instead of a Dutch one) is also telling.
  - skinner_ 7y ago
    One more data point: in Hungarian it's also common, also borrowed from English. It's spelled lúzer.
    - lazyant 7y ago
      great thanks
TrackerFF 7y ago
In Norway, we use "taper" which translates directly to "loser" - but it's not really used to critique ones socioeconomic or professional status. Generally, when someone is labeled a loser ("he's a f'in loser"), it's more an attack on their moral and ethical character. If you lie and cheat, you're a loser. If you beat up your wife / girlfriend, you're a loser. If you're an all-around asshole that can't function around people, you're a loser. I mean, sure, if you're a NEET on welfare, who blows his welfare money on booze, cigs and video games, while chasing 16 year olds, and with no ambition of improving - then you're too going to get labeled a loser, but that's more because of the apparent laziness and dodgy ethical choices. But lazy or unambitious employed people? No, they're just regular workers. We all pay our taxes, and contribute to our society.