Skinship 

In Korea, the term "skinship" is used to describe the act of intimate, non-sexual touching between very close (Usually same-sex, but can include both genders.) platonic friends. It involves acts such as holding hands/arms, hugging, and kissing on the cheeks.

Sometimes it goes even deeper than that and can even involve bathing together, as Koreans (And the Japanese) believe that group nudity helps break down the barriers and helps establish a closer relationship.

It's not unusual to see Koreans walking and holding hands with each other, even if they're not in a relationship. That just means that they have a deep skinship with each other.

Skinship by Saudades January 7, 2014

skinship 

In Japan and Korea, the term "skinship" is used to describe the intimacy, or closeness, between a mother and a child. 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 in 1971. (from Wikipedia)
One of the more confusing waseigo/engrish words.

It is important to have skinship with children

skinship by hagure May 2, 2008

skinship 

A friendship or relationship that primarily focuses on the exploration of another's skin.

This word's origin is from Korea. Many Koreans learn English from a very young age, so a combination of the two languages was inevitable. The bastard child of these two noble languages is "Konglish."

Korean Teen #1: We must have skinship, so that we can be ready for marriage.
Draper Teacher: Are you kidding me? What in the blue hell is skinship?
Korean Teen #2: (after furiously thumbing through a korean-english dictionary) A representation of affection!

skinship by Draper December 15, 2004

Skinship 

A friendship or relationship taken up a notch with contact via the skin, be it kissing, hugging, touching, etc.

Guy: Hey, we should have some skinship

Girl: Tsk, like you know how

Guy: T_T"

Skinship by Charles-werth August 25, 2010

Skinship 

Konglish (Korean-English) term encompassing a variety of intimate touching, e.g. holding hands, eskimo kissing, dry humping, snuggling, etc.

"My girlfriend loves skinship, but sometimes I just want to tell her to take a bath."

"Skinship is important in father-daughter relationships, an arm around her shoulder or a hug now and then can familiarize her with intimacy."

"My boyfriend tried skinship last night in his car but I wasn't ready for it."

Skinship by Kalot October 13, 2008

skinship 

A concept originating in Japan, whereas social interactions and dealings were considered more intimate and relaxed when they took place within a communal "onsen", or public bath.

This concept is still in some practice today, as when a business agent will meet a potential client for dinner, or drinks, or on a racquetball court.

It has also evolved to define a situation of intimacy derived from the touch of skin, or close proximity thereof, as in a mother and child bonding from birth.

In Korea, as well as some other places, it has come to also mean sexual contact, heavy petting, and related activities.

In proper dealings within the corporate hierarchy, a certain level of skinship can help to make everyone feel equally comfortable.

I think skinship is gross!

skinship by ChrisC30 December 12, 2008

skinship 

The act of touching a romantic interest/before the relationship.

The skinship is before the relationship

skinship by King Sage February 12, 2017