réttleikann

Réttleikann is a term found in some Icelandic- and Faroese-language sources that refers to the idea of fair play or the fair conduct of participants in competitive or social settings. The word is composed of elements akin to rett meaning "right" or "law" and leik- meaning "play," suggesting a sense of "the right way to play" or "fair play." In usage, réttleikann can denote adherence to rules, impartial enforcement, and the balancing of rights and duties within a contest, sport, or communal activity.

The semantic range is broad and not uniformly codified. In sports discussions, réttleikann is used to argue for impartial refereeing, equal opportunities, and sanctions for cheating. In legal or educational contexts, it can describe processes that ensure fair treatment and due process, or the ethical dimension of competition and cooperation. In recent years, some scholars have also applied the term to digital or online environments, where algorithmic neutrality and governance aim to preserve the "right way to participate."

There is no single authoritative definition, and spelling variants or related terms exist across Nordic languages. The term remains relatively niche, appearing mainly in academic articles, journalism, and cultural commentary rather than as a standard category in dictionaries. See also fair play, justice, equity, and ethics.