As reported by ERR News in their coverage of the 2025 edition, the dictionary is moving away from archaic terminology to make room for words that define modern priorities. One of the notable additions is the word käejälg (“handprint”).
Linguistically, the word is a compound of two ancient roots. Käsi (hand) is a foundational Finno-Ugric word, appearing in various forms across related languages, from the Finnish käsi to the Hungarian kéz. Jälg (trace, print, or track) connects to the Proto-Finnic jälki. While the physical definition of an impression left by a human hand has always existed, its inclusion in the ÕS 2025 denotes its transition into a specific, metaphorical term within sustainability discourse.
For years, a dominant environmental term has been the ökoloogiline jalajälg (ecological footprint). A footprint is a measurement of damage. It tracks the resources we consume and the waste we leave behind. In contrast, a käejälg represents the positive impact an individual or organization has on the environment. If a footprint measures what you take, a handprint measures what you give back or the harm you prevent through intentional action.
A handprint implies the use of tools, the act of planting, and the manual labour of restoration. It’s a more productive mindset, moving away from fear and inertia to active change.
Perhaps the choice of käejälg in Estonia’s vocabulary suggests a shift in the nation’s mindset. Estonia often markets itself as a lean, tech-forward can-do nation. The footprint metaphor, which focuses on reduction and guilt, doesn’t reflect a culture that prides itself on innovation and problem-solving. A handprint implies the use of tools, the act of planting, and the manual labour of restoration. It’s a more productive mindset, moving away from fear and inertia to active change.
This linguistic update is part of a larger effort by EKI to ensure the dictionary remains a kind of living book. ERR News’ report notes that while hundreds of obscure or technical terms are being removed, the new entries are chosen because they have entered common parlance in media, government policy, and daily conversation. So Käejälg has already earned its place.
As we look toward further shifts in how we produce and use things, other terms are beginning to surface. One such word gaining traction in Estonian design circles is ringdisain. What do you think this term refers to?
