vanhanaikainen

Vanhanaikainen is a Finnish adjective meaning “old-fashioned” or “outdated.” It describes objects, ideas, styles, or attitudes that seem characteristic of a previous era and are seen as less suitable in the present. The term can apply to clothing, technology, design, or social practices, as well as to ways of thinking. In everyday use it often carries a mildly evaluative tone, without specifying whether the speaker condemns or merely notes a departure from current norms.

Etymology: The word is formed from vanha meaning “old” and aikainen (related to time or era), with the derivational suffix -naikainen creating an adjective that denotes a quality. The literal sense is roughly “having old times” or “of old-time character.”

Usage: Common contexts include fashion (vanhanaikaiset vaatteet), technology (vanhanaikainen ohjelmisto), or opinions (vanhanaikainen ajatus). When applied to people, it can be pejorative if used as a personal judgment, but it may also be used light-heartedly to describe a nostalgic or retro style.

Synonyms and related terms include perinteinen (traditional), vanhahtava (slightly old-fashioned), and vanhentunut (outdated). Antonyms include nykyaikainen (modern) and edistyksellinen (progressive).

See also: nykyaikainen, perinteinen, vanhentunut.