lapp

Lapp is a historical term that was once used to refer to the Sámi, the indigenous people of Sápmi, the region that spans northern parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the Kola Peninsula in Russia. In contemporary usage the term is largely considered outdated or offensive in many contexts, and the preferred designation is Sámi for the people and Sámi for their languages. The word survives mainly in older writings and in certain place names.

The origin of the term Lapp is uncertain, and it appeared in various European languages from the Middle Ages as an external label for the Sámi. Today it is rarely used outside historical or ethnographic discussions. Some geographic and cultural terms—such as Lapland or Lappish—retain the old form, though they are increasingly avoided in favor of Sámi-related terminology.

The Sámi are a diverse Indigenous group with culturally distinct communities across the Sápmi region. Traditional livelihoods have included reindeer herding, fishing, and hunting, alongside crafts and trading. The yoik, a distinctive form of song, is a central element of Sámi cultural expression. The Sámi languages comprise several related but distinct languages within the Uralic family, with Northern Sámi being the most widely spoken; others include Inari Sámi and Skolt Sámi. Sámi languages are recognized and protected as minority languages in Norway, Sweden, and Finland, with ongoing revitalization efforts.

Political organization includes Sámi Parliaments in Norway (established 1989), Sweden (1993), and Finland (1995), created to promote cultural rights, language preservation, and self-determination within those states. The term Lapp is largely avoided in official contexts, reflecting broader efforts toward respectful, accurate designation of Sámi identities.