nühkimisi

Nühkimisi is an Estonian word that translates to "scurrying" or "scampering" in English. It generally describes a quick, light, and often furtive movement, typically associated with small animals. The word evokes a sense of rapid, short steps, usually close to the ground.

The term can be used to describe the movement of various creatures, such as mice scurrying across a floor, squirrels scampering up a tree, or even insects darting away. It implies a sense of urgency or a desire to avoid detection. The sound associated with nühkimisi is often a soft rustling or pattering.

Beyond its literal application to animal movement, nühkimisi can occasionally be used metaphorically to describe a person's hurried or slightly disorganized actions, especially when trying to accomplish something quickly or discreetly. However, its primary and most common usage remains related to the swift, low movements of small animals in their natural or domestic environments. The word carries a certain onomatopoeic quality, suggesting the very sound it describes.