Untranslatable Finnish Words
Kyykkyviini: cheap wine you squat to grab off the bottom shelf. Literally “squat wine”.
The Finnish language is quirky and poetic. It has no gendered pronouns and no distinct future tense. It’s also fit for purpose, up there in the cold. The vocabulary is rich with words for snow, forest, quiet and things relating to sauna. It also boasts a goodly number of words that don’t translate directly into English. Here’s a selection.
Avanto
A hole in the ice, either naturally formed or deliberately created.
Hyppytyynytyydytys
The pleasure of sitting on a bouncy cushion. [Ed: Look Mum, no vowels!]
Kalsarikännit
Drinking alone at home in your underwear, with no intention of going out.
Kotoisa
Similar to the Danish word Hygge meaning cozy, homely snug.
Kyykkyviini
Cheap wine you squat to grab off the bottom shelf. Literally “squat wine”. [Ed: In honour of this word, we recommend that you watch this video.]
Lintukoto
Literally “bird home”. Refers to any safe and carefree place, e.g. the country Finland itself.
Löyly
The steam generated by throwing water on hot rocks in a sauna or the heat of the sauna.
Mökki
A modest countryside cabin, central to Finnish summer culture. More than a house – it’s a way of being.
Myötähäpeä
Vicarious embarrassment; feeling ashamed for someone else, even if they themselves are oblivious.
Pilkunnussija
Literally “comma fucker” – a pedantic grammar corrector.
Peräkamaripoika
Literally “back bedroom boy”. Adult male who lives with his parents – typically single and unemployed.
Poronkusema
Traditional unit of distance measures how far a reindeer can travel without needing to pee: approx 7.5 km.
Reipas
Someone who has an energetic and enthusiastic attitude. A can do person.
Ryyppyreissu
A dedicated drinking trip, often messy.
Saunatonttu
The sauna elf who protects the sauna. One must behave or risk angering it.
Sisu
Grit, resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. Sisu is a cultural concept, considered by Finns to be their national characteristic. [Ed: Comes in handy when coping with Russian aggression.]
Video: Unrelated But Fun
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