Meaning
To not show up for a meeting.
Cultural Background
Punctuality is a core value. Standing someone up is considered a serious breach of trust and can end friendships. The term 'feidata' (from English 'fade') is becoming more common among Gen Z, but 'tehdä oharit' remains the classic expression. In Finnish business, 'oharit' is extremely rare. If it happens, it is usually due to a genuine emergency. With apps like Jodel and Tinder, 'oharit' is a frequent topic of discussion and venting among young adults.
Don't use with bosses
Even if your boss flakes, use a more formal term like 'hän ei päässyt paikalle'.
The 'Sain' variation
You can say 'Sain oharit' (I got the bypasses) to mean 'I was stood up'.
Meaning
To not show up for a meeting.
Don't use with bosses
Even if your boss flakes, use a more formal term like 'hän ei päässyt paikalle'.
The 'Sain' variation
You can say 'Sain oharit' (I got the bypasses) to mean 'I was stood up'.
Apologizing
If you accidentally 'teit oharit', a simple 'anteeksi' isn't enough in Finland; explain why!
Test Yourself
Täytä puuttuva sana oikeassa muodossa.
Hän lupasi tulla, mutta hän teki ________.
The standard form in an affirmative sentence is the plural 'oharit'.
Valitse oikea pronominin muoto.
Miksi teit _____ oharit?
The person who is stood up takes the allative case (-lle).
Missä tilanteessa voit sanoa 'tehdä oharit'?
A) Perut lääkärin viikkoa ennen. B) Unohdat mennä treffeille. C) Myöhästyt bussista.
'Oharit' is specifically for not showing up to a planned meeting without notice.
Täytä dialogi.
A: Tuliko Pekka kahville? B: Ei, se ______ ______.
This fits the informal context of a missed coffee date.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesHän lupasi tulla, mutta hän teki ________.
The standard form in an affirmative sentence is the plural 'oharit'.
Miksi teit _____ oharit?
The person who is stood up takes the allative case (-lle).
A) Perut lääkärin viikkoa ennen. B) Unohdat mennä treffeille. C) Myöhästyt bussista.
'Oharit' is specifically for not showing up to a planned meeting without notice.
A: Tuliko Pekka kahville? B: Ei, se ______ ______.
This fits the informal context of a missed coffee date.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it implies a lack of respect for the other person's time.
No, it's only for people missing appointments.
The singular 'ohari' is rarely used; stick to 'oharit'.
Yes, it is understood everywhere from Helsinki to Lapland.
You say 'Minä tein oharit'.
That's still usually called 'oharit' because the other person is likely already there.
No, it has been around since at least the 1960s.
Yes, it's perfect for texting.
'Oharit' is the act of not showing up; 'feidaus' is the general behavior of being unreliable.
Usually yes, but it can be a company (e.g., a delivery service).
Related Phrases
perua
similarto cancel
nukkua pommiin
similarto oversleep
jättää pulaan
builds onto leave in the lurch
feidata
synonymto flake/fade
ghostata
specialized formto ghost
