Haiguslikud

Haiguslikud is the plural form of the Estonian adjective haiguslik, which means pathological or morbid. The term is used to describe phenomena, behaviors, or interests that are considered unhealthy, abnormal, or closely related to disease in a psychological or clinical sense. It is common in both medical and everyday language to indicate that something goes beyond normal inclinations or situations.

The word is formed from the noun haigus, meaning illness, combined with the suffix -lik to create an adjective. In sentences, haiguslik is used attributively (haiguslikud kalduvused, haiguslik huvi) or predicatively (käitumine on haiguslik). The plural haiguslikud modifies plural nouns, for example “haiguslikud kalduvused” (pathological inclinations) or “haiguslik huvi” (a morbid interest). In most contexts, haiguslikud functions as an adjective rather than a standalone noun; it can, however, appear in rhetorical or journalistic style to refer vaguely to pathological phenomena as a group.

Usage notes include a negative or clinical nuance: haiguslik describes something outside normal health or normal psychology, often carrying judgmental or evaluative connotations. It is commonly applied to discuss disorders, compulsions, or sensational interests, and is less appropriate for benign or purely ordinary traits.