íslenzkur

Íslenzkur is an archaic spelling of the modern Icelandic word íslenskur, meaning "Icelandic". This older form was commonly used in written Icelandic for centuries. The primary difference lies in the use of the ligature "z" (ethel) instead of the modern "s". This "z" represented a voiceless alveolar fricative sound, similar to the "s" in "snake".

The transition from íslenzkur to íslenskur occurred gradually, with the modern spelling becoming more prevalent in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This shift reflects broader changes in Icelandic orthography and pronunciation. While the spelling íslenzkur is no longer standard, it can still be encountered in older texts, historical documents, and sometimes in attempts to evoke a sense of historical authenticity. Understanding this archaic form is helpful for those studying older Icelandic literature or historical linguistics. The meaning remains the same: relating to or characteristic of Iceland or its people.