English Explanatory Dictionary

Helsinki syndrome

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. Stockholm syndrome.

Word forms

Helsinki syndrome

Etymology

Probably due to the 1988 film Die Hard in which an ignorant TV expert calls Stockholm syndrome "Helsinki syndrome": * 1988, Jeb Stuart (screenplay), Die Hard: Gail Wallens (a news anchor, live on air): ...author of "Hostage/Terrorist, Terrorist/Hostage, a Study in Duality." Dr. Hasseldorf, what can we expect in the next few hours? Dr. Hasseldorf: Well, Gail, by this time the hostages should be going through the early stages of the Helsinki Syndrome. Harvey Johnson (Gail's co-anchor): As in Helsinki, Sweden? [a crew member facepalms]

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