Kyrvää is a Finnish word that can refer to several things, primarily a type of fish and a slang term. As a fish, kyrvää is a common name for the European smelt (Osmerus eperlanus), a small, silvery fish found in brackish and freshwater environments. It is known for its distinctive cucumber-like smell, which is often described as the origin of its name. European smelt are typically caught for sport and commercial purposes and are a part of traditional Finnish cuisine. In Finnish slang, kyrvää is a vulgar term, typically referring to the male genitalia. Its usage is considered offensive and is not appropriate in polite conversation. The word's strong negative connotation means it should be avoided unless the context is clearly understood as informal and among close acquaintances where such language is accepted. The specific origins of its slang meaning are not definitively documented but likely stem from its phallic shape.