kätköily

Kätköily is a Finnish term that loosely translates to "stashing" or "hiding things." It's a broad concept that can encompass various activities, often involving the concealment of objects for later retrieval. In its most common usage, kätköily refers to the hobby of geocaching, a real-world treasure hunt using GPS coordinates. Participants hide containers, known as geocaches, and share their locations online. Other individuals then use GPS devices or smartphones to find these hidden stashes.

Beyond geocaching, kätköily can also refer to more informal practices. This might include hiding personal items for safekeeping, creating secret hiding places for children's toys, or even preparing emergency supplies in concealed locations. The core idea remains the same: intentional concealment with the expectation of discovery at a later time. The specific context often clarifies the exact meaning of kätköily, but the underlying principle of hiding is consistent. It's a versatile term reflecting a common human behavior.