Peruskeinoonlike

Peruskeinoonlike is a neologism used in Finnish-language discourse analysis to describe a rhetorical and stylistic tendency in which problems are framed as solvable through basic, readily available means. The term combines perus (basic), keino (means, instrument), and the English suffix -like, signaling resemblance to utilitarian tools or straightforward methods. It refers to texts, arguments, or media strategies that emphasize practicality and immediacy, often at the expense of discussing structural or long-term factors.

Etymology: The coinage appears in scholarly and media commentary since the early 2020s in Finland, where researchers track patterns of instrumental discourse in politics, education, and online communication.

Usage: Analysts use peruskeinoonlike to classify statements that present complex social problems as solvable by simple, generic actions or common-sense tools available to ordinary people. This can include appeals to common sense, appeals to specific tools or shortcuts, and a minimization of institutional or systemic constraints.

Examples: The phrase "peruskeinoonlike ratkaisut" is used to critique policy proposals that rely on one-size-fits-all remedies. Another example is labeling a persuasive post as peruskeinoonlike if it reduces debate to practical steps without addressing root causes.

Reception: The term is still evolving and is not yet widely standardized. Critics argue that it can be vague or overlapping with existing concepts such as technocratic discourse or instrumental rationality, while proponents view it as a concise label for a recurring discourse pattern.

See also: Neologisms, discourse analysis, Finnish linguistics, technocratic discourse.