Estonian is a weird language. If you're learning it, you've probably already noticed that some words sound like they were invented as a joke. Here are 10 that consistently make foreigners laugh or raise an eyebrow.
1. Jõulupuu
Jõulupuu
/ˈjɤu̯lupuː/“Christmas tree”
Literally 'Christmas tree', but to English ears, it sounds like 'yowl-oo-poo', which is objectively funny. Estonians take their holiday decorations seriously, but the word itself sounds like a toddler’s attempt at naming a festive disaster.
2. Põrgu
Põrgu
/ˈpɤr.ɡu/“Hell”
The Estonian word for 'hell' sounds like someone sneezing mid-word. 'Põrgu' is pronounced 'per-gu', but the õ gives it a nasal quality that makes it sound like you’re choking on a pretzel.
3. Terviseks
Terviseks
/ˈter.vi.seks/“Cheers (to health)”
The Estonian equivalent of 'cheers'. Sounds like 'ter-vee-sex', which is either a medical condition or a very niche dating app. Estonians say this before drinking, usually while maintaining stoic eye contact.
4. Pläru
Pläru
/ˈplæru/“Nonsense”
Means 'nonsense' or 'gibberish'. Pronounced 'plah-roo', it sounds like the noise a malfunctioning robot would make. Ironically, the word itself sounds like pläru.
5. Põder
Põder
/ˈpɤ.der/“Moose”
The word for 'moose'. Sounds like 'per-der', which is what you’d name a particularly dim-witted pet. Estonian forests are full of these, and the word suits their awkward, gangly appearance.
6. Prügikast
Prügikast
/ˈpry.ɡi.kɑst/“Trash can”
Means 'trash can'. Pronounced 'pry-gi-kast', it sounds like a rejected Harry Potter spell. 'I solemnly swear I am up to prügikast.'
7. Loll
Loll
/ˈlolʲː/“Stupid”
Means 'stupid'. Pronounced like 'loll', as in 'lolling about'. The double 'l' makes it sound like you’re mocking someone while sticking your tongue out.
8. Tühi
Tühi
/ˈty.hi/“Empty”
Means 'empty'. Pronounced 'tü-hee', like a sad clown’s sigh. Useful for describing your bank account after a night out in Tallinn.
9. Nätsu
Nätsu
/ˈnæ.tsu/“Snack”
Colloquial for 'snack'. Sounds like 'nat-soo', which is what you’d name a small, mischievous animal. Estonians use it for anything from crisps to a quick kebab.
10. Püksid
Püksid
/ˈpyk.sid/“Trousers”
Means 'trousers'. Pronounced 'pük-sid', which sounds like a euphemism for something embarrassing. 'Hold on, I need to adjust my püksid.'
Estonian is full of these gems. If you're serious about learning, check out our guide on 50 foundational Estonian vocabulary words or essential phrases for navigating Estonian cities.
