verb

skylla

blame

Att säga att det är någon annans fel att något dåligt har hänt.

Definition & meaning

The verb skylla primarily means to attribute fault, guilt, or responsibility for a mistake or a negative event to someone or something. It is most commonly used in the following ways:

skylla på : This is the most frequent construction, meaning "to blame (someone or something)." For example, one might blame the weather or a colleague for a delay.
skylla sig själv : A reflexive use meaning "to have only oneself to blame." It implies that the person is responsible for their own misfortune.
skylla ifrån sig : A phrasal verb meaning to deflect blame, deny responsibility, or try to shift the fault onto someone else to avoid consequences.

Grammar & Word origin

skylla is a weak verb belonging to the second conjugation (Group 2a) in Swedish. Its forms are:

Present: skyller
Past: skyllde
Supine: skyllt
Imperative: skyll

Etymologically, the word originates from the Old Norse skila, which meant to distinguish, decide, or explain. It is closely related to the Swedish words skäl (reason/cause) and skuld (debt/guilt). The meaning evolved from "stating a reason" or "explaining" to specifically "pointing out a cause for a fault."

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms

anklaga : To accuse (often in a more formal or legal context).
beskylla : To charge someone with a fault or to impute something negative to them.
lägga skulden på : To place the blame on.
lasta : To burden or blame someone for something.