Finnish is already hard enough with its 15 noun cases, but throw in some slang and you’ve got a whole new challenge. Jokke (jargon) is what makes Finnish feel alive - whether you're chatting with friends or trying to sound less like a textbook. Here’s the lowdown on the most common informal words and phrases.
The Basics: Everyday Slang
- Moi / Moikka – The go-to casual greeting. Forget 'Hei' if you want to sound like a local.
- Joo – The Finnish version of 'yeah'. 'Kyllä' is for formal situations, but 'joo' is what you’ll hear 90% of the time.
- Nonni – A multipurpose word meaning 'alright', 'there we go', or 'oh well'. Context is everything.
Sä
/ˈsæ/“You”
Expressions You’ll Hear (and Use) All the Time
- No niin – The Finnish equivalent of 'well then' or 'there you go'. Can express agreement, resignation, or just fill a pause.
- Joo, ei – Literally 'yes, no', but it’s used to mean 'yeah, right' (sarcastically) or 'well, maybe'.
- Ei hätää – 'No worries' or 'it’s fine'. The perfect response when someone apologises for something minor.
The Not-So-Polite Stuff (Use with Caution)
Every language has its edgy slang, and Finnish is no exception. These words aren’t for polite company, but you’ll hear them in movies, music, or among close friends.
Perkele
/ˈperkeleˣ/“Devil (but stronger)”
Vittu
/ˈʋitːu/“Fuck”
If you’re curious about how Finnish influences other languages, check out our article on Finnish loanwords.
Youth Slang: Keeping Up with the Kids
Finnish slang evolves fast, especially among younger speakers. Here’s a taste of what’s trending:
- Noni – A shortened version of 'no niin'. Used to start sentences or express mild surprise.
- Jepulis – A playful, exaggerated way to say 'yes' ('joo' + '-pulis' for emphasis).
- Bööna – Borrowed from Swedish ('böna', meaning 'bean'), it’s slang for something lame or uncool.
Final Thoughts
Finnish slang is a mix of simplicity, creativity, and a dash of chaos. The best way to learn it? Listen to how people talk in casual settings - whether that’s in Finnish movies, music, or just eavesdropping at a pub. And remember: when in doubt, a well-timed 'nonni' or 'joo' will get you pretty far.
