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.
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.
by Saudades January 7, 2014
A friendship or relationship taken up a notch with contact via the skin, be it kissing, hugging, touching, etc.
by Charles-werth August 25, 2010
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 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."
by Kalot August 20, 2008
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.
One of the more confusing waseigo/engrish words.
by hagure May 1, 2008
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."
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!
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!
by Draper December 15, 2004
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.
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!
I think skinship is gross!
by ChrisC30 February 6, 2007
The skinship is before the relationship
by King Sage February 13, 2017