List of English words of Finnish origin explained

The Finnish language has lent few loanwords to the English language; Finnish is rather a net importer of words from English.

However the following words of Finnish origin are some examples:

Widespread

The most commonly used Finnish word in English is sauna, which has also been loaned to many other languages.

Specialized

Words derived from Finnish used in more specialized fields:

• aapa mire - a marsh type, in biology
• palsa - low, often oval, frost heaves occurring in polar and subpolar climates
• pulk - a type of toboggan (derivative of word pulkka)
• puukko - traditional Finnish sheath knife
• Rapakivi granite - a granite rock in petrology
• taimen - a species of salmon living in Siberia

Cultural

In English, Finnish words used with reference to the Finnish culture, but not nativized in English and not used in other contexts:

• sisu - the Finnish state of mind about strong character and 'grim forbearance,' has been documented in English since at least 1940.
• kantele - a Finnish zither
• motti - a Finnish military tactic
• salmiakki - a salty liquorice and popular Finnish candy
• Kilju - a homemade alcoholic beverage

See also

• List of English words of Sami origin
• Finnish name
• Finglish
• Finnish exonyms

External links

• English-Finnish-English Online Dictionary
• The Finnish Language: a list of resources
• Univie: SUOMALAIS homepage - in Finnish