etikettisanan

etikettisanan is a Finnish neologism that emerged in the early 2020s. It combines the Finnish word "etiketti" (etiquette) with the suffix "-sanana" which signifies "as a word" or "in the sense of a word." Therefore, etikettisanan literally translates to "etiquette as a word" or "the word etiquette."

The term is used to refer to discussions, analyses, or considerations specifically about the concept of etiquette itself, rather than the practical application of etiquette rules. It implies a meta-level discussion where the nature, evolution, or societal function of etiquette is the primary subject. For instance, one might use etikettisanana to discuss how social media has changed traditional notions of politeness, or to explore the historical development of dining etiquette.

It is important to distinguish etikettisanana from discussions solely focused on specific etiquette rules. While the latter might involve understanding and applying rules of courtesy, etikettisanana delves into the underlying principles, cultural significance, and philosophical implications of these rules. The term gained traction in online discussions and academic circles in Finland as a precise way to articulate this particular focus on the abstract concept of etiquette.