nykysanoissa

nykysanoissa is a term in Finnish linguistics for the study and description of contemporary language use, focusing on how modern speakers create and adopt new words and meanings. The compound comes from nykyaika (modern era) and sanoissa (in words), and is used to refer both to the process of lexical innovation and to the body of vocabularies that characterize current Finnish discourse.

The concept encompasses neologisms, loanwords, and repurposed existing words, as well as shifts in meaning and style that accompany digital communication, youth slang, and media discourse. It includes examined phenomena such as the rapid spread of terms via social media, the integration of technology-related vocabulary (apps, services, devices), and changes in spelling or pronunciation that reflect current usage.

Researchers studying nykysanoissa typically use corpus analysis, sociolinguistic interviews, and media monitoring to document who uses which terms and in which contexts. They may compare formal and informal registers, regional variation, and age-related differences to map patterns of lexical change.

The concept is relevant to lexicography, language education, and language policy, illustrating how living languages adapt to technology and culture. It has critics who caution against overemphasizing novelty at the expense of standard language, and supporters who view it as essential for understanding contemporary communication.