Loppas

Loppas is a term that can refer to several things, primarily a nickname for Finnish people of Romani descent and a type of baked good in Finland. The use of "Loppas" as a descriptor for Finnish Romani people is considered a slur by many and should be used with extreme caution or avoided altogether. The Romani community in Finland has a long history and distinct cultural traditions. When the term is used in reference to the baked good, it describes a sweet pastry, often flavored with cardamom and sugar, sometimes filled with jam or almond paste. These pastries are a popular treat in Finnish bakeries and homes, especially during holidays. It's important to distinguish between these two meanings, as one is a potentially offensive ethnic descriptor and the other refers to a culinary item. The etymology of the slur is debated, while the pastry's name is thought to derive from the Swedish word "loppa," meaning flea, likely due to its small size and perhaps a slight resemblance to the insect.