Litimärkä

Litimärkä is a Finnish term that describes a specific type of wetness or saturation, particularly in fabrics or materials. It conveys a sense of being thoroughly soaked, not just damp, but permeated with liquid to the point of being heavy and clinging. This word is often used to describe clothing that has been exposed to heavy rain or snow, or items that have been submerged in water for a prolonged period.

The feeling associated with litimärkä is one of discomfort and coldness, as the material loses its insulating properties and transfers heat away from the body more rapidly. It implies a level of saturation that is difficult to dry quickly. For instance, a wool sweater that has become litimärkä will feel significantly heavier and take much longer to dry than a merely damp garment.

The term can also be applied metaphorically to describe situations or conditions that are overwhelmingly or unpleasantly saturated, although its primary and most common usage relates to physical wetness. It is a descriptive word that captures a precise physical sensation of deep saturation and the resulting discomfort.