Skinship

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Skinship (スキンシップ) is a wasei-eigo, or a Japanese word coined using English root origins, initially to describe the closeness between a mother and her child due to the physical contact of their skin. Today, the word is generally used for bonding through physical contact, such as holding hands, hugging, or parents washing their child at a bath. The earliest citation of this word appears in Nihon Kokugo Daijiten, 1971.

The apparent similarity with the english word 'kinship' raises the question whether this word was originally coined as a play on words. Although the aspect of public nakedness is not as much a part of the culture in english speaking countries as it is in Japan, it may be viewed as an unintentional pun.

Skinship (스킨십) is also a Konglish word used in Korea by younger generations for physical/sexual interactions (kissing, touching, etc.) both within relationships and between close friends.