Encyclopaedia Britannica introduces Croatian term ‘Fjaka’
- by croatiaweek
- in Entertainment
(Illustration)
The Dalmatian way of life has found its way into the global spotlight once again – this time through one of the most respected sources of knowledge in the English-speaking world.
The Encyclopaedia Britannica, the world’s most renowned English-language encyclopedia, introduced its international audience on Friday to the concept of fjaka.
Posting on its official X account, Britannica described fjaka as “complete relaxation” or “the art of doing nothing”.
“The Croatian term “fjaka” is defined as complete relaxation or the art of doing nothing. “Fjaka” is something that can’t be learned; rather, you must experience it to awaken its meaning. Let’s all commit to making “Fjaka Fridays” a thing, mkay?
The post has quickly gained traction, reaching nearly 26,000 views in just two days, with many international followers expressing admiration and curiosity about this laid-back lifestyle rooted in Dalmatian tradition.
The concept of fjaka has been quietly spreading across the globe in recent years. Back in 2018, Britain’s BBC featured fjaka in a segment exploring unique cultural traditions. That same year, the Daily Mail included fjaka in its list of 10 buzzwords trending in 2018.
“Relaxing your body and your mind and delighting in the feeling of doing nothing,” it wrote.
The Croatian term “fjaka” is defined as complete relaxation or the art of doing nothing.
“Fjaka” is something that can’t be learned; rather, you must experience it to awaken its meaning.
Let’s all commit to making “Fjaka Fridays” a thing, mkay?— Encyclopaedia Britannica (@Britannica) June 6, 2025
Fjaka appeared alongside other cultural concepts such as Gluggaveður from Iceland – the term for weather that looks nice through a window but is unpleasant outside – Kanso from Japan, which promotes simplicity through minimalism, and Philoxenia from Greece, the idea of warmly welcoming strangers.
Mastering the Dalmatian day-dreamy state of mind
What is fjaka?
Originating in Dalmatia, fjaka is often misunderstood as laziness – but it is quite the opposite. It is a state of being – a blend of peace, contentment and presence. As many Dalmatians will attest, it’s not about doing nothing because you have to – it’s about doing nothing because you can, and finding joy in it.
