jäähy

Jäähy is a Finnish word that translates to "cooling down" or "cooling period" in English. It is most commonly associated with the sport of ice hockey, where it refers to a brief stoppage in play used to cool down the ice surface. This can occur during a game if the ice is deemed to be too soft or if there are any issues with the ice quality.

During a jäähy, the players leave the ice while ice resurfacing machines, often called Zambonis, are used to smooth and recondition the surface. The duration of a jäähy can vary depending on the severity of the ice conditions and the league's regulations. In some cases, it might be a short break of a few minutes, while in others, it could be a more extended period.

The term can also be used more generally in Finnish to describe any situation where something needs to cool down, such as a heated argument or a tense discussion. In this metaphorical sense, a jäähy implies a period of calm and reflection to allow emotions to subside before resuming the interaction. The context in which the word is used will determine its specific meaning.