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IKEA - Who knew? 9 January 2026

SMASKA munches, KLUNKA clunks… or do they?

Ever wondered why IKEA products have such unusual names? With over 12,000 products, most named after a Swedish word, our naming system is one of the most distinctive in retail. Some names sound exactly like what they are, or do, while others keep you guessing.

Take the IKEA name sounds quiz.

We’ve picked six product names with particularly strong sounds. Can you figure out the product before we reveal the answer? Saying the name aloud might help you, or it might confuse you! Let’s play the IKEA name game.

  1. SMASKA: Munch, chomp, repeat

In Swedish, “smaska” is the sound of chomping – the happiest of mealtime noises. It’s almost as if you can hear the “munch” with every bite. Designed for small hands and big appetites, SMASKA brings a playful and snappy twist to the dinner table.

  1. GLIMMA: Flicker and glimmer

The Swedish verb “glimma” means to glimmer or shine softly. It’s a word that feels warm and bright, just like a cosy evening glow. Light one of these products, and you might just hear the room sigh with delight – though you never buy just one.

  1. KLUNKA: Not quite a clunker

It might sound like a heavy thud, but KLUNKA is anything but. In Swedish, “klunka” is just a fun word to say – no clunking required. This product is soft, foldable, and light on its feet. The only thing dropping is your pile of socks – straight into something that’s more ballet than bulldozer.

  1. FNISS: Waste of a joke

The Swedish noun “fniss” means a quiet giggle or a cheeky little laugh. While waste disposal might not always tickle your funny bone, there’s something charming about an item that’s always in on the joke – even if it’s just quietly sniggering in the corner.

  1. RASSLA: Rustle up some order

“Rassla” is the Swedish word for rattle or rustle – think of the gentle crackle and swish as you tidy away socks, scarves or toys. RASSLA makes organising feel less like a chore and more like a game. Slide them in and let the organising begin.

  1. BRUMMIG: Vroom goes the…?

In Swedish and other languages, “brum” is the sound of an engine – but the BRUMMIG range is designed for playrooms, not pit stops. The one thing these nature-inspired products will get racing? Your child’s imagination.

 

Answers

1. SMASKA: Cutlery set – just the tools to get kids chomping.

SMASKA 3-piece cutlery set, mixed colours – IKEA UK

2. GLIMMA: Unscented tealight – glimmer by name, glimmer by nature.

GLIMMA unscented tealight, 4 hr – IKEA UK

3. KLUNKA: Laundry bag – soft, foldable, and decidedly unclunky.

KLUNKA laundry bag, white/black, 60 l – IKEA UK

4. FNISS: Waste bin – putting the giggle into garbage?

FNISS waste bin, white, 10 l – IKEA UK

5. RASSLA: Hanging storage – folding and sorting with a flourish.

RASSLA storage with 5 compartments, white, 25x40x98 cm – IKEA UK

6. BRUMMIG: Children’s series with forest animals – not an engine in sight.

(Editor’s note: In Swedish children’s tales, “brumma” can also be a typical name for bears – not a million miles away from BRUMMIG after all!)

BRUMMIG product search – IKEA UK

 

Your score

How many did you get right?

  • 6 out of 6: IKEA naming expert! You’re a true ambassador.
  • 4-5: IKEA insider! Impressive knowledge.
  • 2-3: Getting there! Time for another store visit?
  • 0-1: No worries! Now you know.

 

Anything else you’d like to know?

At IKEA, we have so many stories to tell. But many of them stay right here, within IKEA. That’s where our “IKEA – Who knew?” series comes in. Is there anything you’ve always wondered about IKEA but never had the chance to ask? Contact us at [email protected] and we’ll get digging.

 

About Ingka Group 

With IKEA retail operations in 31 markets, Ingka Group is the largest IKEA retailer and represents 87% of IKEA retail sales. It is a strategic partner to develop and innovate the IKEA business and help define common IKEA strategies. Ingka Group owns and operates IKEA sales channels under franchise agreements with Inter IKEA Systems B.V. It has three business areas: IKEA Retail, Ingka Investments and Ingka Centres. Read more on Ingka.com.

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