Viivästysnimi

Viivästysnimi is a Finnish term that translates to "delay name" or "postponement name." It refers to a situation where a name is not immediately assigned to something, such as a product, project, or even a person in certain contexts, but is instead decided upon and revealed at a later stage. This can be a deliberate strategy for marketing, to build anticipation, or simply due to practical reasons where the final naming is contingent on other developments.

The concept of viivästysnimi is often observed in the technology industry, where new products might be referred to by codenames during development and their official market name is kept secret until the launch event. This secrecy can generate buzz and media attention, allowing companies to control the narrative around their new offerings. Similarly, in project management, a project might operate under a temporary designation, with its formal name being chosen once the scope or objectives are fully solidified.

In some informal or colloquial settings, viivästysnimi might also describe a situation where parents are undecided on a baby's name and use a placeholder until they feel a particular name is the right fit. While not a formal or legal practice in most cases, it reflects the underlying idea of delaying the final designation. The term emphasizes the act of deferring the naming process rather than the name itself.