Sisu

Sisu is a Finnish term that could be roughly translated to English as strength of will, determination, perseverance, "having guts" in the face of adversity. The word derives from sisus, which means something inner or interior. To anthropologists, it is an appropriate invention for a cold northern land, fractured by thousands of lakes, and long under threat of being overwhelmed, militarily, linguistically and otherwise, by more powerful neighbours. Similar concepts exist among other cold-weather peoples, such as the Inuit and Chukchi.

Related Topics:
Finnish - English - Anthropologists - Inuit - Chukchi

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Due to its cultural significance, Sisu is a common element of brand names in Finland. For example, there are Sisu trucks, a brand of strong-tasting candy manufactured by Leaf and metapolitical organization Suomen Sisu. There is also a Canadian company by the name that makes vitamin and mineral supplement products http://www.sisu.com.

Related Topics:
Brand name - Finland - Canadian

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The term is commonly used in everyday speech to describe stoic toughness. It is widely understood in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, which is home to a large concentration of Finnish-Americans. For instance: Even after cutting his hand open and getting 12 stitches, he didn't shed a tear. Wow! He's got sisu! By analogy, the term has picked up new meanings. Depending on context, "sisu" can refer to spunk, attitude, self-confidence, and so on.

Related Topics:
Upper Peninsula - Michigan

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In Finland, there's a well-known saying that the Finnish culture can be condensed in three s's: "sisu, sauna and Sibelius". (The Finnish name of Finland, Suomi, also starts with an s.)

Related Topics:
Sauna - Sibelius - Suomi

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