A Swede in Britain Is a Rutabaga in America
A swede is a large root vegetable. Its many regional names cause constant confusion.
A swede is a large yellow-fleshed root vegetable, a cross between cabbage and turnip. Its names map the English-speaking world: England says *swede*, short for Swedish turnip, America says *rutabaga* from Swedish dialect *rotabagge*, meaning root bag, and Scotland says *neep* — which is why a Scottish Burns Supper serves haggis with *neeps and tatties*. Confusingly, in parts of England a *turnip* means the swede and in others it means the smaller white root.
- A root vegetable. *Mashed swede.*
- Rutabaga — the American name. *Rutabaga.*
- Neep — the Scottish name. *Neeps and tatties.*
- Swedish turnip — the full name. *Swedish turnip.*
- Swedish — *rotabagge*, root bag. *The American source.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | swede | A swede. |
| Plural | swedes | Swedes. |
| American | rutabaga | Rutabaga. |
| Scottish | neep | Neeps. |
| Full name | Swedish turnip | Swedish turnip. |
- Mash the swede with butter.Cooking.
- Americans call it rutabaga.Naming.
- Haggis is served with neeps.Scotland.
Root vegetable names by region
- Swede — England, from Swedish turnip
- Rutabaga — United States, from Swedish rotabagge
- Neep — Scotland, from the same root as turnip
- Turnip — the smaller white root in most of England
- Snagger — a dialect name in parts of northern England
Short for *Swedish turnip*, from the country where it was widely cultivated before reaching Britain.
Is a swede the same as a rutabaga?
Yes. They are the same vegetable under British and American names.
What are neeps and tatties?
Scottish for swede and potatoes, mashed and served with haggis, especially at a Burns Supper.