Nabanööri

Nabanööri is a Finnish slang term, literally translating to "belly button string" or "umbilical cord." It is commonly used to refer to someone who is overly dependent on their parents, often to the extent that they are perceived as being unable to function independently. The term implies a prolonged and unhealthy attachment, suggesting that the individual has not "cut the cord" and is still metaphorically nourished or controlled by their parental figures.

The usage of nabanööri is typically critical or dismissive, highlighting a perceived lack of maturity or self-reliance. It is often applied to young adults who continue to live at home without apparent plans for independence, or to individuals who rely on their parents for financial support, emotional guidance, or decision-making well into adulthood. While primarily used in informal conversation, the term can carry a somewhat judgmental connotation. It implies that the individual's development has been stunted by an overbearing or enmeshing parental relationship. The opposite of being a nabanööri would be someone who is independent, self-sufficient, and has established their own life separate from their parents.