Karusõnadid

Karusõnadid is an Estonian term that translates to "fur words" or "animal skin words." It refers to a specific category of archaic or poetic vocabulary in the Estonian language that relates to animals, their pelts, or the products derived from them. These words often carry a sense of the past, evoking a time when hunting and the use of animal skins were more integral to daily life and survival.

The vocabulary encompassed by karusõnadid can include terms for different types of animal fur, such as those of bears, wolves, foxes, and various rodents. It may also refer to specific qualities of these furs, like their thickness, color, or texture. Furthermore, the term can extend to words describing garments or objects made from animal skins, such as coats, boots, or decorative items. These words are often found in older texts, folklore, and literature, providing insight into historical customs and the natural environment of Estonia.

While many of these words are no longer in common everyday use, they remain a part of the linguistic heritage of Estonia. Understanding karusõnadid can enrich one's appreciation of the Estonian language and its historical connections to nature and traditional practices. They represent a linguistic layer that connects modern speakers to their ancestors' relationship with the animal world.