mellékesen

Mellékesen is a Hungarian adverb that translates to "incidentally," "by the way," "as a side note," or "in passing." It is used to introduce information that is not the main topic of conversation but is relevant or worth mentioning. The word is derived from the Hungarian word "mellék" which means "side" or "auxiliary," and the suffix "-kesen" which indicates an adverbial form.

The usage of mellékesen often implies that the information being shared is secondary or not the primary focus. It can be used to add a detail, offer a suggestion, or express a thought that has occurred to the speaker. For example, someone might say, "We're going to the park today. Mellékesen, have you seen my keys?" In this instance, the main point is going to the park, and the question about the keys is a side issue.

It can also be employed to soften a potentially sensitive statement or to present an observation in a less direct manner. If someone is offering a critique, they might preface it with mellékesen to make it sound less confrontational. The adverb helps to create a more casual or informal tone, suggesting that the information is not being presented with great emphasis or urgency. Its versatility allows it to fit into a variety of conversational contexts, always serving to frame secondary or tangential information.