Could söpö also have the sense of "adorably romantic," like in English? Could you talk about "a cute couple," or someone doing something "cute" for their significant other?
What about inanimate objects? How would you describe a cute (maybe small, round, colorful) table or coffee cup in Finnish?
That's a good question. Yes, it can also be adorably romantic, but I'd say that at least the American ladies' magazines use the word "cute" more than I would use "söpö". My use of "söpö" is usually limited to kids and animals, but then again I'm 35 and what do I know how the younger people talk like.. I'll ask around! (Actually, I just wrote the work "söpö" on a Google pictures, and found a few fashion blogs where they use the word similarly as in English. So yes, the usage is broadening.)
In general, I'd advice to use a more neutral adjective (kiva, hieno) for inanimate objects, unless they are really, really.. cute.
Could söpö also have the sense of "adorably romantic," like in English? Could you talk about "a cute couple," or someone doing something "cute" for their significant other?
ReplyDeleteWhat about inanimate objects? How would you describe a cute (maybe small, round, colorful) table or coffee cup in Finnish?
That's a good question. Yes, it can also be adorably romantic, but I'd say that at least the American ladies' magazines use the word "cute" more than I would use "söpö". My use of "söpö" is usually limited to kids and animals, but then again I'm 35 and what do I know how the younger people talk like.. I'll ask around! (Actually, I just wrote the work "söpö" on a Google pictures, and found a few fashion blogs where they use the word similarly as in English. So yes, the usage is broadening.)
DeleteIn general, I'd advice to use a more neutral adjective (kiva, hieno) for inanimate objects, unless they are really, really.. cute.
I'll take that back! Now I feel really lame for not encouraging people to use the word "söpö". Maybe I should start using it more. :)
DeleteHaha. Thanks for elaborating!
DeleteQuestion: what is the difference between "söpö" and "suloinen"?
ReplyDeleteThis is what Kielitoimiston sanakirja says about suloinen:
ReplyDeletesuloinen = viehättävä, ihastuttava, viehkeä, soma, herttainen, rakastettava; sulokas.
Suloinen vauva / tyttö / koiranpentu.
Suloiset kasvot.
Suloinen näky.
Suloinen lämpö /tuoksu.
Suloisen pehmeä.
Kosto on suloinen. = Revenge is sweet.
suloisen tietämätön = sweetly ignorant