Sähke

Sähke is a Finnish word with several meanings, primarily referring to a telegram or a telegraph. Historically, it denotes a message sent via telegraph, a system that transmitted electrical signals over a wire. These messages were often brief due to cost and the nature of the medium. The term can also be used more broadly to describe any urgent or brief message, akin to a quick note or a memo.

In contemporary usage, while the original telegraph system is largely obsolete, the word "sähke" can still be encountered. It might appear in historical contexts or in figurative language to represent a concise and direct communication. Sometimes, it is humorously used to describe a very short text message or email, implying a certain urgency or brevity. The concept of a sähke highlights a past era of rapid long-distance communication before the advent of modern telecommunications. Its legacy lies in its association with speed and conciseness in delivering information.