muistilappu

Muistilappu is a small sheet of paper with adhesive on its back, designed for writing quick notes and temporarily attaching them to surfaces such as computer monitors, notebooks, desks, or refrigerators. They are typically sold in pads containing many sheets, and come in square or rectangular shapes with bright colors. The adhesive allows the note to be stuck and removed multiple times without leaving a strong residue.

Etymology and usage: The word muistilappu combines muisti, meaning memory, with lappu, meaning slip or note. In Finnish, muistilappu is the generic term for adhesive notes and is used for any brand or type of sticky note, similar to the English “sticky note” or “Post-it.”

History: Modern sticky notes were popularized by 3M’s Post-it notes, introduced in the 1980s after earlier development in the late 1960s. In Finland, the term muistilappu evolved as the common Finnish designation for these adhesive notes, and a variety of brands and formats are sold to suit different preferences and workplaces.

Variations and uses: Muistilaput come in multiple sizes, with common formats around small square notes and larger rectangular sheets. They are often yellow but appear in many colors, with lined or grid patterns available. Some notes use stronger or repulpable adhesives, while others are designed for whiteboards or magnetic surfaces. Uses include reminders, to-do lists, bookmarks in documents, quick messages for colleagues, and labeling or organizing information.

In summary, muistilappu denotes the Finnish term for adhesive sticky notes, a ubiquitous office tool for temporary annotations and reminders.