Alaotsikko

Alaotsikko, literally meaning "subheading" in Finnish, is a typographic element used to introduce a new section within a written work, such as an article, report, book, or web page. It serves as a secondary heading placed under the main title and above the body text of the section, helping readers quickly scan the structure of the content.

Etymology and scope: The term combines ala ("lower" or "sub") with otsikko ("title" or "heading"), reflecting its role as a subordinate heading. In Finnish publishing, alaotsikot are part of a hierarchical system of headings that organizes information from the main title to subheadings and further subdivisions.

Usage: Alaotsikot appear in many contexts including newspapers, magazines, academic texts, and online content. They should be concise and descriptive, signaling the topic of the following section. Styling and level of emphasis vary by medium; in HTML, for example, they correspond to second-level headings (h2) or deeper levels in a document's structure.

Variations and related terms: Some style guides distinguish between primary titles (otsikko) and various sublevels such as alaotsikko and ala-alaotsikko. In practice, the exact level used depends on the publication's hierarchy and design requirements.

See also: Heading, Subheading, Typography.