klitten

Klitten is a Dutch term used to describe clumps or tangles that form when fibers, hair, fur, or plant materials become entangled. The word is common in everyday language across contexts such as grooming, textiles, and agriculture, and it can refer to both loose snarls and denser mats.

In everyday use, klitten commonly describes tangled hair or fur that has not been brushed or sheared, as well as wool or fleece that has become matted. It can also apply to fabric fibers or plant material that has become intertwined. Mats and tangles can range from minor snarls to thick, compact clumps that are difficult to separate.

Treatment and prevention focus on gentle detangling and regular grooming. For humans and pets, brushing with a wide-toothed comb or a detangling product, starting at the ends and working upward, is recommended. For stubborn mats, especially in animal fur, professional grooming or careful trimming may be necessary to avoid skin irritation or pain. In textiles, regular washing, drying, and appropriate fabric care help minimize future knits and tangles, while avoiding rough handling can reduce static and further entanglement.

Etymology and usage notes: klitten derives from the Dutch verb klitten, meaning to become tangled or knotted. The term is primarily used in Dutch to describe the phenomenon of tangling across different materials and contexts, and it is related to other West Germanic roots that reference knots and snarls.