Difference between revisions of "Hug"
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==Origin== | ==Origin== | ||
perhaps of Scandinavian [[origin]]; akin to Old Norse ''hugga'' to soothe | perhaps of Scandinavian [[origin]]; akin to Old Norse ''hugga'' to soothe | ||
| − | *[ | + | *[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/16th_century 1567] |
==Definitions== | ==Definitions== | ||
*1: to press tightly especially in the arms | *1: to press tightly especially in the arms | ||
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*3: to stay close to - the road hugs the [[river]] | *3: to stay close to - the road hugs the [[river]] | ||
==Description== | ==Description== | ||
| − | A '''hug''' is a [[form]] of [[physical]] [[intimacy]], that usually involves closing or holding the arms around the neck, back, or waist of another [[person]]; if more than two persons are involved, this is referred to as a ''group hug''. A hug, sometimes in [[association]] with a [[kiss]], eye contact or other [[gestures]], is a form of [ | + | A '''hug''' is a [[form]] of [[physical]] [[intimacy]], that usually involves closing or holding the arms around the neck, back, or waist of another [[person]]; if more than two persons are involved, this is referred to as a ''group hug''. A hug, sometimes in [[association]] with a [[kiss]], eye contact or other [[gestures]], is a form of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nonverbal_communication nonverbal communication]. Depending on [[culture]], [[context]] and [[relationship]], a hug can indicate familiarity, [[love]], [[affection]] or [[friendship]]. One person may hug another as an indication of [[support]], [[comfort]], and [[consolation]]. A hug can be a [[demonstration]] of affection and [[emotional]] warmth, sometimes arising out of [[joy]] or [[happiness]] at meeting someone. Sometimes hugs are a [[romantic]] exchange. |
Unlike some other forms of [[physical]] [[intimacy]], when both parties mutually [[engage]] in the act, a hug can be practiced [[publicly]] and [[privately]] without [[stigma]] in many countries, [[religions]] and [[cultures]], within [[families]], and also across age and [[gender]] lines, but is generally an indication that people are familiar with each other. An unexpected hug can be regarded as an [[invasion]] of a person's [[personal]] [[space]], but if it is [[reciprocated]] it is an indication that it is [[welcome]]. Also, a person, especially a [[child]], may caress and hug a doll or stuffed animal. Young [[children]] will also hug their [[parents]] when they feel threatened by an unfamiliar person. | Unlike some other forms of [[physical]] [[intimacy]], when both parties mutually [[engage]] in the act, a hug can be practiced [[publicly]] and [[privately]] without [[stigma]] in many countries, [[religions]] and [[cultures]], within [[families]], and also across age and [[gender]] lines, but is generally an indication that people are familiar with each other. An unexpected hug can be regarded as an [[invasion]] of a person's [[personal]] [[space]], but if it is [[reciprocated]] it is an indication that it is [[welcome]]. Also, a person, especially a [[child]], may caress and hug a doll or stuffed animal. Young [[children]] will also hug their [[parents]] when they feel threatened by an unfamiliar person. | ||
| − | Unlike a [[kiss]], a hug is not usually undertaken as part of a [[ritual]] or social act. However, it is a [[custom]] in [ | + | Unlike a [[kiss]], a hug is not usually undertaken as part of a [[ritual]] or social act. However, it is a [[custom]] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spain Spain] and, by proxy, in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latin_America Latin American] countries for male friends to hug (as well as slap each other on the back) in a [[joyous]] greeting, such as on a New Year. A similar hug, usually accompanied with a [[kiss]] on the cheek, is also becoming a [[custom]] among Western women to convey a [[joyous]] greeting and sorrowful parting. Also, in recent years it has become a [[practice]] amongst some teenage girls to greet and [[farewell]] each other with a hug. In May 2009, the New York Times reported that "the hug has become the [[favorite]] [[social]] greeting when teenagers meet or part these days" in the United States. A number of [[schools]] in the United States have issued bans on hugs, which in some cases have resulted in [[student]]-led [[protests]] against these bans. In the Roman Catholic rite of the Holy Mass a hug may be substituted for a [[kiss]] or handshake during the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiss_of_peace kiss of peace] [[ritual]]. Several cultures do not [[embrace]] as a sign of [[affection]] or [[love]], such as the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Himba Himba] in Namibia. |
| − | Hugging has been proven to have [[health]] benefits. One [[study]] has shown that hugs increase levels of [ | + | Hugging has been proven to have [[health]] benefits. One [[study]] has shown that hugs increase levels of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Himba oxytocin], and reduce [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_pressure blood pressure]. |
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
*'''''[[Affection]]''''' | *'''''[[Affection]]''''' | ||
Latest revision as of 23:57, 12 December 2020
Origin
perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse hugga to soothe
Definitions
- 1: to press tightly especially in the arms
- 2a : congratulate
- 3: to stay close to - the road hugs the river
Description
A hug is a form of physical intimacy, that usually involves closing or holding the arms around the neck, back, or waist of another person; if more than two persons are involved, this is referred to as a group hug. A hug, sometimes in association with a kiss, eye contact or other gestures, is a form of nonverbal communication. Depending on culture, context and relationship, a hug can indicate familiarity, love, affection or friendship. One person may hug another as an indication of support, comfort, and consolation. A hug can be a demonstration of affection and emotional warmth, sometimes arising out of joy or happiness at meeting someone. Sometimes hugs are a romantic exchange.
Unlike some other forms of physical intimacy, when both parties mutually engage in the act, a hug can be practiced publicly and privately without stigma in many countries, religions and cultures, within families, and also across age and gender lines, but is generally an indication that people are familiar with each other. An unexpected hug can be regarded as an invasion of a person's personal space, but if it is reciprocated it is an indication that it is welcome. Also, a person, especially a child, may caress and hug a doll or stuffed animal. Young children will also hug their parents when they feel threatened by an unfamiliar person.
Unlike a kiss, a hug is not usually undertaken as part of a ritual or social act. However, it is a custom in Spain and, by proxy, in Latin American countries for male friends to hug (as well as slap each other on the back) in a joyous greeting, such as on a New Year. A similar hug, usually accompanied with a kiss on the cheek, is also becoming a custom among Western women to convey a joyous greeting and sorrowful parting. Also, in recent years it has become a practice amongst some teenage girls to greet and farewell each other with a hug. In May 2009, the New York Times reported that "the hug has become the favorite social greeting when teenagers meet or part these days" in the United States. A number of schools in the United States have issued bans on hugs, which in some cases have resulted in student-led protests against these bans. In the Roman Catholic rite of the Holy Mass a hug may be substituted for a kiss or handshake during the kiss of peace ritual. Several cultures do not embrace as a sign of affection or love, such as the Himba in Namibia.
Hugging has been proven to have health benefits. One study has shown that hugs increase levels of oxytocin, and reduce blood pressure.
