kultissa

Kultissa is the inessive form of the Finnish noun kultti, which translates to "cult" or "sect" in English. The word literally means "in the cult" and is used to describe being inside or a member of such a group, for example in phrases like “on kultissa” (is in a cult).

Grammatical notes: Finnish uses case endings to indicate relationships and location. The inessive form is marked with the ending -ssa/ -ssä, so kultti becomes kultissa. The term is common in discussions of religion, sociology, and psychology, particularly when referring to groups perceived as cultlike or controlling.

Usage and connotation: Kultissa often carries a negative or cautionary tone in journalism and public discourse, reflecting concerns about coercion, manipulation, or secrecy associated with some groups. In neutral academic or linguistic contexts, it can be used descriptively to discuss membership, dynamics, or language related to such groups.

Examples: “Hän on kultissa” translates as “He/She is in a cult.” “Hän erosi kultista” means “He/She left the cult.” The noun kultti has related forms such as kultin (genitive) and other case endings used to express possession, movement, and various grammatical relations within Finnish.

See also: The term is related to the broader Finnish vocabulary for religious movements and sect-like groups, and is often contrasted with neutral terms for religion or community.