Description

The word “frashka” in its modern sense is a contemporary of independent Belarus. In 1991, Siarhiej Dubaviec founded the intellectual publication “Nasha Niva” (1991–2000), which united with the early 20th-century newspaper of the same name through the idea of Belarusian identity.

In his editorial work, Siarhiej Dubaviec proposed using the word “frashka” to describe a short literary form ranging from a sketch to a mini-story. Whether cheerful or sad, it is always ironic. Since the 16th century, “frashka” had a similar meaning, though only in poetic form and with a focus on insignificance: something like a trifle, playfulness, or a prank.