Flekk

Flekk is a Norwegian noun meaning a mark that spoils the appearance or cleanliness of a surface. It most commonly denotes a stain or blot on fabric, clothing, furniture, walls, or skin. A flekk can be any irregular discoloration caused by substances such as coffee, ink, oil, paint, rust, or dirt, and it can vary in size, color, and permanence.

The word is of Germanic origin and has cognates in neighboring Scandinavian languages, such as Swedish fläck and Danish flæk or flække, reflecting a common root for "spot" or "stain." In Norwegian, flekk is declined as flekk (indefinite singular), flekken (definite singular), and flekker (plural).

Types and contexts of use include housekeeping, textiles, and art. In textiles, flekker are stains on fabrics or garments, and common examples include kaffeflekker (coffee stains), rødvinsflekker (red wine stains), and oljeflekker (oil stains). In painting or printing, flekker may refer to blotches or pigment irregularities. In everyday speech, people speak of having a flekk somewhere or dealing with flekker on clothing or furniture.

Removal and care follow general stain-removal principles. Treat promptly with an appropriate stain remover or detergent, test on a hidden area, and wash according to the fabric care label. Cold or warm water and specific solvents may be needed depending on the substance. Delicate fabrics or sensitive surfaces may require professional cleaning or avoidance of heat, which can set some stains.

In addition to cleanliness, flekk can also describe patches or blotches seen in medical, biological, or geological contexts, such as skin patches or mineral speckles, used descriptively in neutral terms.