Vikaantuneet

Vikaantuneet is a Finnish word that functions as both an adjective and a noun. It describes people or things that have deviated from accepted norms or standards, typically in a negative or pejorative sense. As an adjective, vikaantunut describes a person, institution, or practice that is perceived as defective, degenerate, or morally corrupt. In plural form, vikaantuneet can modify a plural noun (vikaantuneet käytännöt, vikaantuneet ryhmät) or be used as a substantive noun meaning “the deviants.”

Etymology and morphology: The term is formed from the root vika, meaning defect or fault, plus -antunut, a common participial suffix. The verb vikaantua means to become deviant or corrupted; vikaantunut is the past participle, and vikaantuneet is the plural form used for both the adjective and substantive senses.

Usage and nuance: The word is widely used in public discourse to label individuals or groups as morally or functionally defective. It carries strong negative connotations and is often stigmatizing. In academic or policy contexts, analysts may prefer more neutral descriptors such as poikkeava (deviant/exceptional) or toiminnaltaan rikkinäisiä (functionally damaged) depending on the context and aim of the discussion.

See also: vikaantuminen (the process of becoming deviant or corrupted); poikkeavuus (deviance or abnormality); normit (norms) and moraalinen tuomio (moral judgment).