vihjekaavio

Vihjekaavio is a rare and obscure term that originates from the second quarter of the 20th century in Iceland. The word is composed of two parts: "vihja" which means "to hint" or "to suggest," and "kaavio" which is derived from the Icelandic word for "customer" or "buyer."

In the context of 1920s Icelandic business etiquette, vihjekaavio referred to a sociable habit of hinting to potential customers about one's products or services in a subtle and polite manner. Merchants and vendors would often create an atmosphere conducive to conversation and socializing, where they would "hint" at their wares without being overtly promotional.

Over time, the term vihjekaavio gradually fell out of use as commercial practices evolved and more direct forms of marketing became prevalent. Nonetheless, it remains an intriguing relic of Iceland's cultural and economic history, reflecting the nation's strong tradition of respect for subtlety and politeness in business interactions.

Scholars studying Icelandic business culture and history have noted that vihjekaavio is an example of how Icelandic exporters and traders often employed creative strategies to establish relationships with customers and build trust. This aspect of Icelandic business practice has been characterized as distinct from more direct and hard-selling approaches that were common in other parts of Europe during the same period.

Though vihjekaavio is no longer a widely used term, its legacy serves as an illustration of the significant role of etiquette and social norms in shaping commercial practices, particularly in smaller and more insular societies.