Vitonen

Vitonen is a Finnish term that can refer to several things, most commonly the number five. In sports, particularly Finnish baseball (pesäpallo), "vitonen" refers to a type of hit that travels a considerable distance, often leading to multiple bases or even a home run. It is considered a valuable offensive play. In the context of driving, "vitonen" is the common colloquial term for fifth gear in a manual transmission vehicle. Shifting into "vitonen" typically indicates reaching a higher speed and is often the cruising gear. The word itself is derived from the Swedish word "femte," meaning fifth, reflecting historical linguistic influences in Finland. Beyond these common uses, "vitonen" can also appear in other contexts, sometimes as a nickname or a reference to specific cultural items or events, though these are less widespread. The specific meaning is usually clear from the surrounding conversation or context in which it is used.