oraalit

Ooraalit is a term primarily used in some Finnish dialects, particularly in spoken language, to refer to something that is extremely cold. It is an informal adjective or adverb, lacking a direct, universally accepted English translation, but conveying a sense of biting, intense cold.

The word's origin is not definitively documented, but it is believed to be onomatopoeic or derived from older root words associated with freezing or harsh weather conditions. It is often employed to describe the feeling of cold on the skin, the temperature of objects, or the overall atmospheric conditions during winter. For instance, one might say "Ulkona on ooraalit" to mean "It is extremely cold outside."

While "kylmä" is the standard Finnish word for cold, "ooraalit" serves as a more emphatic and colloquial descriptor. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a lack of warmth or enthusiasm, though this usage is less common and context-dependent. The term is generally understood by native Finnish speakers but might be unfamiliar to those with only formal Finnish language education. Its usage is largely confined to informal settings and personal conversations.