käryjä

Käryjä is a Finnish term that broadly translates to "smells," "stenches," or "fumes." It is often used to describe unpleasant odors, but its meaning can extend to more figurative senses.

In its most literal sense, käryjä refers to the olfactory sensation produced by various substances. This can range from the smell of burning material, such as wood or electrical components, to the more pungent odors associated with waste or decomposition. For example, a kitchen fire would produce käryjä, as would a poorly maintained compost bin. The term implies a strong and often offensive smell.

Figuratively, käryjä can refer to a scandal, a shady deal, or something suspicious that has been uncovered. In this context, it suggests that something untoward has been revealed, much like a strong smell would indicate a problem. For instance, if a politician is found to be involved in corruption, the media might report that there are "käryjä" surrounding the case, meaning evidence or rumors of wrongdoing have emerged. This usage draws a parallel between an unpleasant smell and the unpleasantness of a scandal.

The word käryjä is derived from the verb "kärytä," which means to emit a smell or to reek. It is a common word in everyday Finnish, used in both literal and figurative contexts to describe something that is noticeably and often unpleasantly apparent.