minimeriä

minimeriä is a Finnish neologism that emerged in the early 2020s. It is a portmanteau word, combining "mini" and "meri" (sea). The term refers to a small, often temporary, body of water that mimics the appearance or characteristics of a larger sea, typically in an urban or otherwise landlocked environment.

Examples of minimeriä can include ornamental ponds in parks, specially constructed water features in shopping malls, or even large puddles that persist after rainfall and are large enough to create a sense of expansiveness. The concept emphasizes the perception of vastness or a connection to nature, even on a small scale. It can also be used humorously to describe any small body of water that is disproportionately significant to the observer. The term gained traction through social media, where people shared images and experiences of these miniature seas. Its usage reflects a contemporary interest in bringing elements of the natural world into built environments and finding beauty in unexpected places. The term is informal and primarily used in casual conversation and online contexts within Finland.