elintavallinen

elintavallinen is a Finnish word that translates to "unusual," "uncommon," or "out of the ordinary." It is formed by combining the prefix "eli-" which intensifies the meaning, and the word "tavallinen," meaning "usual" or "ordinary." Therefore, elintavallinen literally means "very usual" or "extremely ordinary," paradoxically conveying the idea of something being anything but ordinary.

This term is often used in everyday Finnish conversation to describe situations, events, objects, or behaviors that deviate from the norm. For instance, a particularly strange occurrence might be described as elintavallinen, or a person exhibiting eccentric habits could be called elintavallinen. The use of the prefix "eli-" adds a layer of emphasis, suggesting that the deviation from the ordinary is significant or noteworthy.

While the literal translation might seem contradictory, the idiomatic usage of elintavallinen is well-understood by Finnish speakers. It serves as a concise and expressive way to highlight that something is not what one would typically expect. The word can carry a slightly humorous or ironic tone, depending on the context in which it is used. It is a versatile adjective that adds color and nuance to the Finnish language when describing anything that stands out from the mundane.