When did all the Scandinavian gnomes become Gonks?

[Whatsleftnow]

Last year they were gnomes, elves and occasionally doorstops but now, everywhere I look they’re called “gonks”.

How did this happen? Who decided? Have they formed a union?

Of all the strange happenings in the world in the last few years, this might me the one that tips me over the edge.

Anyone else noticed this strange and sudden gonk phenomenon?

I loved trolls too and always wanted a troll horse but didn't get one.

They're Tomte in our house as per Sven Nordqvist's gloriously illustrated books.

I particularly love The Tomtes' Christmas Porridge.

They are everywhere and I think they are horrible

@CentrifugalBumblePuppy yep!! With elastic from their heads and they boinked as they bounced!!
I like tomte as a name for the long bearded gnomes that seem to be this seasons thing.
they are different and deserve to be named differently.

Am I the one one who wants to go round the shops pulling their silly hats up so you can see their eyes? They are suddenly everywhere, they must breed prolifically.

Gonks are an entirely different species. I was given one in 1967 and had him for years.

@GhostOfChristmasPudding

At least the Matalan pedestal mat is cheap enough to chuck out once all the males in the house have p*ssed on it. 🤮

I noticed this the other day. I thought they were called tomte.

I have never heard of Gonks or Tomte, (maybe because I am Canadian). I have nothing to add to this thread. I just wanted say I love the phrase “Gonkification of the Tomte”.

I don’t post here often but I love the Christmas board. 🎄

Meh.

Gonks are imposters.

I've been well ahead of the curve with my authentic scandi tat, I am most disappointed to see others stealing it.

We have ours out all year - they have sat at the top of the stairs for many years.

A Tomte is for life not just for Christmas!

@TwoLeftSocksWithHoles Just one of the many reasons I don't have them in our house! 😂

Are they related to the dreadful on-the-shelf elves?

Gonks were as per the previous photo, round, made of fabric and cuddly.

The Viking ones were Trolls. I have one made of wood.

The squat, hairy ones were also Trolls and are collectable (the original ones are, there were copies). I still have mine.

The Tomte ones were also sold in IKEA as terracotta garden ornaments in the 90's and were called Nisse. It depends which Scandinavian country they are from as to what they are called I believe. I have the IKEA ones.

Someone named them wrongly a few years ago and all the manufacturers jumped on the bandwagon and called the pointy hat ones gonks. I like them when they are proper traditional ones but not the absolute shite ones that have infested the shops and garden centres in recent years and are wrongly called gonks. It has irritated me for years.

I always wanted a cuddly gonk but have examples of all the others in my collection of old tat collectables.

Google Dam trolls for proper trolls.

HELL NO

They are tonttu. Ones with white hats were popular a few years ago, they looked a bit too KKK for me, with the white pointed hats.

I always think of The Young Ones and Neil's lucky gonk.

No that’s probably Chuckie you’re thinking of.

In Ireland. We’re always a touch behind the curve on these things.

They definitely weren’t called gonks here last year. I’m sure I’d have noticed because I had a persistent sinus infection and saying that word brings me back.

They always seemed more dignified than that.

On the subject of trolls, was anyone else traumatised by this little fella in primary school?

Should definitely be tomte, if many, the plural is tomtar.
Tomten is a kind but proud little creature. He will help look after your home if treated right.If you upset him he can cause lots of mischief though so don't forget to give him the special rice porridge on Christmas Eve!

This is what I remember from the 60s - I spent time in Sweden as a child.

Tomte
Glook
Gnome
Troll
Gonk

I do also remember that picture of the ugly troll under the bridge in the Billy Goat Gruff story!

Gnomes are more realistic - can see their eyes. Gonks have their hats over their eyes and are horrible, naff and ugly!
This is a proper gnome (loved this book!).

Similarly, ours are always Tomten because of the lovely Astrid Lindgren Tomten books!

Fuck me, that should have had some sort of warning!