Kjölfarið

Kjölfarið is an Icelandic noun that denotes the wake or aftermath of a significant event or process. It refers to the period during which consequences, reactions, and further developments unfold following what has happened. The expression is commonly used in journalism, politics, and public discourse to frame subsequent events as a continuation of a previous occurrence.

Origin and form: Kjölfarið is a neuter noun formed in standard Icelandic with the definite suffix -ið. The base concept relates to what comes after or behind, and the term is typically used in formal or semi-formal language. The fixed phrase í kjölfarið, meaning “in the wake of,” is widely used to introduce ensuing developments or responses.

Usage and context: Kjölfarið is employed to discuss aftermaths in a range of contexts, including politics, business, culture, and natural events. It can refer to concrete actions taken after an event (such as investigations, policy changes, or institutional responses) as well as to the broader sequence of subsequent commentary and analysis.

Notes: The term is characteristic of Icelandic rhetorical and journalistic style, and its precise nuance centers on causality and sequence—what follows what happened. While common in media and formal writing, it may feel more literary or elevated in everyday speech.

In summary, kjölfarið names the aftermath and ensuing developments that follow a notable occurrence, with í kjölfarið serving as a convenient connector to describe events unfolding after the initial moment.