Finnwords

Finnwords are a subset of English words that have been borrowed from the Finnish language. These words often relate to concepts or items that are unique to Finnish culture or the Finnish environment. Examples include "sauna," referring to the traditional Finnish steam bath, and "sisu," a Finnish concept that roughly translates to grit, resilience, and perseverance. Other loanwords might include "mökki," a small holiday cottage, or terms related to Finnish cuisine and nature.

The adoption of Finnwords into English is a natural linguistic process that occurs when speakers encounter new concepts or objects for which no direct English equivalent exists. These words are typically integrated into English usage without significant modification to their original form or pronunciation, although some may undergo minor phonetic adjustments over time. The presence of Finnwords in English dictionaries reflects the cultural and linguistic exchange between Finland and English-speaking countries. While not as numerous as loanwords from more widely spoken languages, Finnwords offer a glimpse into the distinct cultural contributions of Finland.