Kogenumad

Kogenumad is a neologism that appears in online discussions and some speculative-fiction contexts to describe a social group characterized by a strong emphasis on practical knowledge, experiential learning, and the transmission of skills across generations. The term is not part of any standard lexicon and there is no universally accepted definition, with its meaning varying across communities and contexts.

The word seems to be coined from Estonian- or Finnic-sounding morphemes, but there is no verified origin. It is typically treated as a constructed term rather than a traditional or historical label, and its usage tends to be confined to informal discussions, fan forums, or maker-space culture.

In practice, kogenumad refer to mentors, craftspeople, and hobbyists who value hands-on experience. They are imagined as preservers of traditional crafts such as woodworking, metalworking, small-scale farming, and survival skills, often operating within informal networks, local guilds, or maker spaces. Some discussions frame the term as a counterpoint to pedagogies that emphasize abstract theory over practical application.

Reception of the term is mixed. Proponents view kogenumad as a respectful designation for knowledge keepers and skill transmitters, while critics argue that it is vague, self-styled, or performative. Because the term lacks broad scholarly or dictionary-based attestation, its precise meaning and legitimacy remain unsettled, and its use tends to be highly contextual.

See also: neologism, knowledge transfer, craft revival.