Samiksha Jaiswal (Editor)

List of English words of Finnish origin

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The Finnish language has lent few loanwords to the English language; Finnish is rather a net importer of words from English.

Contents

However the following words of Finnish origin are some examples:

Widespread

The most commonly used Finnish word in English is sauna, and it has been loaned to many other languages as well.

Specialized

Words derived from Finnish used in more specialized fields:

  • aapa mire - a marsh type, in biology
  • palsa - low, often oval, frost heaves occurring in polar and subpolar climates
  • pulk - a type of toboggan (derivative of word pulkka)
  • Rapakivi granite - a granite rock in petrology

    • Cultural

    In English, Finnish words used with reference to the Finnish culture, but not nativized in English and not used in other contexts:

  • sisu - the Finnish state of mind about strong character and 'grim forbearance,' has been documented in English since at least 1940.
  • kantele - a Finnish zither
  • motti - a Finnish military tactic
  • salmiakki - a salty liquorice and popular Finnish candy

    • References

    List of English words of Finnish origin Wikipedia
    (Text) CC BY-SA


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