Originating from a Norwegian & Danish word, Hygge was developed into a concept and way of living by the Danish in the 18th century. “We Danes love the state of mind – hygge – because it’s peaceful, friendly and a fantastic stress reliever. It’s our zen, we breath it, almost live from it,” explains Furniture designer Morten Georgsen. As Norwegian lifestyle blogger Signe Johansen, further explains "People come together to have a hyggelig—the adjective for the noun hygge—time whenever the occasion calls for it. It's part meditation, part hedonism, part community spirit, and part mindfulness, but it really helps us get through the many vicissitudes of life".

While there’s no one English word or simple definition to describe hygge, several can be used interchangeably to describe the idea of hygge such as: comfort, charm, coziness, happiness, contentment, familiarity, kinship, and simpleness. Additionally, hygge refers to "a form of everyday togetherness.