Ülekuhitud

Ülekuhitud is an Estonian adjective meaning overfilled or overpacked. It is formed from the prefix üle- meaning over and kuhitud, the past participle of kuhima “to heap” or “to pile up.” Literally, the word describes something that has been heaped or packed beyond its capacity.

Usage and nuance: The term is used to describe physical situations where content exceeds an object’s capacity, such as a bag, container, or shelf that is filled beyond what is practical or safe. It can also be used in a metaphorical sense to describe spaces, schedules, or documents that are densely filled with items, tasks, or information, resulting in a sense of overcrowding or excess.

Examples: A suitcase can be ülekuhitud after a long trip; a shelf might be ülekuhitud with boxes; a report could be described as ülekuhitud if it contains more data and details than necessary, making it hard to read.

Origins and usage notes: Ülekuhitud is relatively rare in everyday language and is more likely to appear in descriptive or literary contexts than in formal or technical writing. In common speech, speakers might opt for phrases like liialt täis (too full) or ülekoormatud (overloaded) depending on the context.

See also: üle- (prefix), kuhima (to heap), kuhitud (heaped).