Finnish is a fascinating language with its own unique charm. As with any language, it evolves over time, and the younger generations often lead the way in creating new expressions and slang. Finnish Gen Z, in particular, has developed its own set of slang terms that reflect their culture, interests, and the digital age they live in. Whether you’re learning Finnish for fun, travel, or to connect with friends, understanding these slang terms will help you sound more like a native speaker and understand contemporary conversations better. Let’s dive into the top 10 Finnish Gen Z slang terms you need to know.

1. Söpö

In Finnish, söpö means “cute.” While it’s not exclusively a Gen Z term, it has become a popular adjective among younger people to describe anything adorable or endearing. You might hear it used to describe anything from pets to clothing to people.

Example:
– “Katsokaa tätä koiraa, se on niin söpö!” (Look at this dog, it’s so cute!)

2. Lmao

Interestingly, the English acronym Lmao (Laughing My Ass Off) has made its way into Finnish slang, especially in online chats and social media. It’s used just as it is in English, to indicate that something is very funny.

Example:
– “Se vitsi oli niin hauska, lmao!” (That joke was so funny, lmao!)

3. Jäbä

The term jäbä is a casual way to refer to a guy or a dude. It’s akin to saying “bro” or “dude” in English and is used among friends or in informal settings.

Example:
– “Mitä jäbä duunaa?” (What’s the dude up to?)

4. Fomo

Another English acronym that has been adopted into Finnish slang is Fomo, which stands for Fear Of Missing Out. It describes the anxiety that arises when one feels they are missing out on exciting events or experiences that others are enjoying.

Example:
– “En voi olla menemättä, mulla on niin paha Fomo.” (I can’t not go, I have such bad Fomo.)

5. Tsekkaa

Derived from the English word “check,” tsekkaa is used in Finnish slang to mean “check it out” or “take a look.” It’s commonly used when pointing out something interesting or noteworthy.

Example:
– “Tsekkaa tämä video, se on mahtava.” (Check out this video, it’s awesome.)

6. Feidaa

The term feidaa comes from the English word “fade.” In Finnish slang, it means to ghost or to gradually stop communicating with someone. It’s often used in the context of relationships or friendships.

Example:
– “Hän vain feidasi minut, en ole kuullut hänestä viikkoihin.” (He just ghosted me, I haven’t heard from him in weeks.)

7. Eiks nii

This slang term is a contraction of the phrase “eikö niin,” which translates to “isn’t it” or “right?” It’s used at the end of a sentence to seek agreement or confirmation, similar to how “right?” is used in English.

Example:
– “Tämä elokuva on tosi hyvä, eiks nii?” (This movie is really good, right?)

8. Hengailla

The verb hengailla means “to hang out.” It’s a casual way to describe spending time with friends or just relaxing. It’s a commonly used term among Finnish youth.

Example:
– “Mennäänkö hengailemaan puistoon?” (Shall we go hang out in the park?)

9. Kreisi

Borrowed from the English word “crazy,” kreisi is used to describe something wild, insane, or unbelievable. It can have both positive and negative connotations depending on the context.

Example:
– “Se bileet oli ihan kreisi!” (The party was totally crazy!)

10. Snäppää

With the popularity of Snapchat, the verb snäppää has emerged in Finnish slang. It means “to Snapchat” or to send a snap via the Snapchat app. It’s a term frequently used by Gen Z who are active on social media.

Example:
– “Snäppää mulle kun olet perillä.” (Snap me when you arrive.)

Why Learning Slang is Important

Understanding and using slang can significantly enhance your language skills. Here are a few reasons why learning Gen Z slang is beneficial:

1. Improved Comprehension

When engaging with native speakers, especially younger individuals, you’ll encounter slang terms frequently. Knowing these terms will help you understand conversations better and avoid feeling lost.

2. Authentic Communication

Using slang correctly can make your speech sound more natural and less like a textbook. It shows that you are familiar with contemporary language usage and can connect better with native speakers.

3. Cultural Insight

Slang often reflects cultural trends, societal changes, and the values of a generation. By learning slang, you gain insight into what matters to the youth and how they express themselves.

4. Social Media Proficiency

Much of Gen Z slang originates from or is popularized by social media. Being familiar with these terms can help you navigate platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat more effectively.

Tips for Learning and Using Slang

1. Engage with Native Content

Watch Finnish TV shows, movies, and YouTube channels that are popular among young people. Pay attention to the language used and try to pick up on slang terms.

2. Follow Social Media Trends

Follow Finnish influencers, celebrities, and content creators on social media. Observe the slang they use in their posts and stories.

3. Practice with Native Speakers

If possible, engage in conversations with native Finnish speakers. Don’t be afraid to use slang terms you’ve learned and ask for feedback.

4. Use Language Learning Apps

Some language learning apps and websites offer modules focused on slang and contemporary language usage. Utilize these resources to enhance your learning experience.

Conclusion

Learning Finnish Gen Z slang is not just about mastering a few trendy words; it’s about immersing yourself in the language and culture of Finland’s youth. By incorporating these slang terms into your vocabulary, you’ll improve your comprehension, sound more authentic, and gain deeper cultural insights. So, don’t be afraid to experiment with these terms and enjoy the process of learning a living, evolving language.