Otsake

Otsake is a Finnish term used in journalism and publishing to describe a line of text that serves as a heading or teaser for a piece of content. In everyday Finnish, it is often used to indicate a short phrase or sentence that appears prominently to catch the reader’s attention and to provide a quick sense of the topic, distinct from the main title, or otsikko.

In practice, otsake can function as a subheading, a kicker, or a standfirst. It may appear above or beside the main headline and is typically shorter and less prominently displayed than the otsikko. The purpose of an otsake is to introduce the article’s theme, set tone, or summarize the content in a concise way, helping readers decide whether to read further.

Usage and style vary by publication. Many Finnish style guides prefer otsikko for the primary headline and reserve otsake for shorter teaser lines or subheadings. In typography, an otsake is commonly set in a smaller or lighter type than the main title and may be formatted with emphasis such as bold or italics to distinguish it from body text.

Etymology traces the word to otsa, meaning forehead, reflecting a traditional idea of placing the line at the top of the page. While the term is understood in modern Finnish, otsikko is the more common term for the main headline. Some outlets continue to use otsake for legacy material or in specific sections.