Why Don't French People Hug? (2024)

FAQs

Why Don't French People Hug? ›

French people don't typically hug one another. In fact, there isn't even a general word for “hug” or “to hug” in French. Usually, words used for this tend to have a romantic or erotic context, or could mean multiple other things. Remember that the French faire la bise (give cheek kisses) instead of hugs.

Instead, they kiss cheeks (faire la bise) informally and shake hands in formal settings. Because they are not given often, hugs tend to make French people uncomfortable and can easily seem like an invasion of personal space. Hugs are not normal between strangers, acquaintances, or even most friends and family.

The closest would be to simply “take someone in your arms” or prendre dans les bras or faire un câlin but it's kind of a romantic gesture. Like a tender hug you do with a romantic interest. Or maybe someone going through a really hard time to console them. But hugging in France is never used as a greeting.

Whether to say hello, goodbye, or thank you, Americans usually hug, whereas the French kiss cheeks and shake hands. This cultural difference can lead to unpleasant situations.

Hugging is very rare so you should avoid initiating them unless you are certain. Interestingly, in France hugs are perceived to be more intimate than cheek kisses, so they are reserved for close relationships or special occasions.

In which countries did people show the most affectionate touch towards their partners? The number one country was Austria (97.3), followed by Germany (96.8) and Cuba (95.8).

The French don't have to say it, either. They are happy to communicate their feelings with hugs, cuddles and kisses wherever and whenever they feel the need to express love. There is no debate about public displays of affection in France, where PDAs are celebrated as a fortunate consequence of love.

Of course, it wasn't called a “French kiss” in France. It was just a kiss. The French didn't even have a word for the style of kissing until 2014, when the Petit Robert dictionary added a new verb: “Galocher.” It literally means “to kiss with tongues.”

Public displays of affection in France

People kiss acquaintances when they meet them in the street and you even shake hand with the plumber when he comes to fix your leaky pipe: the French are definitely touchy-feely. So, in Paris (and other major cities) anything goes; elsewhere, be more restrained.

Make sure you say Bonjour, or else you'll be considered very rude. And when you leave, you should say “goodbye”, as well. You'd typically say “Bonne journée” (“Have a nice day”).

Is kissing a big deal in France? ›

The first kiss

This is largely due to the fact that in France, kissing on the lips for the first time carries far more weight than in some other countries. In fact, it is seen as a type of unwritten agreement that you are starting an exclusive relationship with someone.

Kissing for a stronger bond

It has been found that when couples French kiss, gently entwining their tongues with one another, there is an increase in the production of oxytocin, which is a hormone associated with building bonds with someone special to us.

A French habit

If several researchers have looked at the issue, no one has succeeded in determining the exact origin of this custom. Contrary to what one may think, the the kiss on the cheek does not come from our contemporary culture but goes back to antiquity. It is indeed the Romans who made it a social code.

When a man kisses you with their tongue, it means that they are head over heels for you. There is nothing that excites them anymore except for you. A French kiss is a sign of attraction and desire and if he kisses you with so much passion, he sure wants you.

Kissing on the cheek is called "bisous" and it is an important part of French culture. It is important to remember that these cheek kisses are not at all romantic. I learned about the tradition called bisous. Bisous is important to the French culture becuase it is how you can show politeness when meeting people.

Couples hold hands, hug, and kiss regularly. Perhaps this is the reason why the reputation for French romantic freedom is so widespread. But, the reality is, that the PDA is reserved for your partner alone. So, loyalty is still an important part of the relationship.

It's no big deal in France

Of course, it wasn't called a “French kiss” in France. It was just a kiss.

Most people give each other two kisses on each cheek, but it all depends once again where you happen to be. In Brittany, one kiss on each cheek is considered enough, while in other parts of France it is considered normal to give three bises on each cheek. Some will take pleasure at giving four.