The Etymology of 'Taskusanakirja': A Pocket-Sized Journey
etymology
Finnish
lexicography
The word taskusanakirja exemplifies the elegant compound nature of Finnish vocabulary. Breaking it down: tasku (pocket) + sanakirja (dictionary), it literally translates to “pocket dictionary” - a fitting name for a tool designed to be as quick and accessible as reaching into one’s coat.
The Components
Tasku derives from the Proto-Finnic *tasku, likely borrowed from an early Germanic source (compare Swedish *taska*, “bag”). The semantic shift from “bag” to “pocket” reflects the evolution of clothing technology itself.