Kartulikud

Kartulikud is a term that appears in Estonian language as a non-standard or dialectal form related to potatoes. In standard Estonian, the common plural for potato is kartulid, while kartulikud is not widely used in everyday speech. It is most often encountered in regional varieties, rural speech, or in literary contexts where authors experiment with language.

Linguistic notes about kartulikud indicate that it is built from the root kartul (potato) with a derivational suffix that can form collective or descriptive nouns. This kind of formation is part of the wider Estonian pattern of creating plural-sounding forms, especially in informal or stylistic usage. Because kartulikud is not part of the formal standard, its appearance can signal dialectal flavor, regional identity, or poetic style.

In cultural and literary contexts, kartulikud may be used to personify or emphasize potatoes in a playful or rustic way. It can appear in folk-inspired prose, humor, or songs where everyday rural life is portrayed with a touch of whimsy. However, for most practical purposes—such as cooking, commerce, and formal writing—kartulid remains the correct and widely understood term.

See also: kartul, kartulid, Estonian dialects, Estonian morphology, Estonian folklore.