Vihamieliset

Vihamieliset is a Finnish term formed from the adjective vihamielinen, meaning hostile or adversarial, and the plural ending -iset. In usage, vihamieliset can describe people, groups, or actors who are perceived as hostile or antagonistic. The word can function as an adjective or, more commonly in its plural form, as a noun referring to those who hold a hostile stance, for example “vihamieliset osapuolet” (hostile parties) or “vihamieliset ryhmät” (hostile groups).

Etymology and meaning: The base is viha, meaning hate, combined with the suffix -mielinen to indicate attitude or disposition. The plural form vihamieliset typically denotes agents with a hostile disposition rather than a single individual. It is often used in analytical or descriptive contexts rather than as a neutral label; it implies a negative judgment about the attitude of the described parties.

Usage and nuance: The term is common in journalism, political analysis, and social research. It can describe intergroup or interstate relations, conflicts, or debates where one side is characterized as antagonistic. While it carries a negative evaluative tone, it is frequently employed to specify a perceptible hostility rather than to condemn individuals personally. When precision is needed, it is often complemented with further description, such as “vihamieliset toimijat” (hostile actors) or “vihamielinen kanta” (hostile stance).

See also: vihamielisyys (hostility), antagonismi (antagonism), ennakkoluulo (prejudice), vihollisaseman asettamat viittaukset (references to enemy status).