Eksoottiset

Eksoottiset is a Finnish adjective meaning foreign, unfamiliar, or strikingly unusual, often used to describe things perceived as exotic because they originate from distant or non-native regions. The form eksoottiset is the plural nominative that modifies plural nouns (for example, eksoottiset eläimet, eksoottiset kasvit, eksoottiset ruoat). In English, this corresponds to exotic.

Eksoottinen derives from the French exotique via Swedish exotisk and other European sources, with Finnish borrowing occurring in the modern era. The plural form eksoottiset follows Finnish grammar for adjectives. The term is widely used in travel writing, botany, zoology, cuisine, and design to indicate appeal or interest arising from distance, unfamiliarity, or foreign origin.

Although generally descriptive, eksoottiset can carry orientalizing or colonial overtones and should be used with awareness of potential connotations. In neutral contexts it simply signals that a subject is not native or is unusual. Examples include eksoottiset eläimet (non-native animals), eksoottiset kasvit (unusual plants), or eksoottiset matkakohteet (exotic destinations).