The use of one's thumb to comfort someone when they are upset. The comforter applies their thumb in a comforting
circular motion to the comfortee's upper arm, usually whilst saying "comforting snail" to avoid
unnecessary confusion. The circular motion is created using the joint of the thumb - not the arm.
The concept is akin to "
awkward turtle".
The level of comfort provided by comforting snail is very versatile and can be used in almost any situation. Avoid bereavements.