Here's why we call the open-mouth
smooch a 'French kiss'
By Leah Asmelash and Nadeem Muaddi,
CNN
(CNN)Every great love story culminates with a kiss.
It
typically comes toward the end, with a desire that's been building over the
course of an hour and some odd minutes. We hold our collective breath as the
couple before us gaze into each other's eyes (you know, the look) and
begin to lean into a -- sometimes awkward or sloppy but always heartwarming --
French kiss.
But
why are these specific kisses labeled French? In honor of International Kissing
Day, we decided to look into the matter. Here's what we learned:
French kissing became popular after WWI
The
term "French kiss" entered the English vernacular in 1923, Sheril
Kirshenbaum writes in her book "The Science of Kissing."
No
one really knows the exact reason why we use the term, but it was likely
adopted by Americans who traveled to France and kissed French women, who were
more comfortable with a bit of tongue action, says Kirshenbaum.
Naturally,
the term "French kiss" developed.
Still,
it took a while for the term -- and even the practice -- to catch on in the
United States.
It
wasn't until after World War II that Americans felt comfortable enough to
French kiss each other, says Kirshenbaum. She credits American servicemen who
served in Europe with bringing the kissing style home.
Remember
that iconic photo of a US sailor kissing a woman in Times Square? Exactly.
It's no big deal in France
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."
Even
with the addition, the Academie Francaise, which regulates French and guards
against foreign words intruding on the language, has yet to accept the word.
Clearly,
the French are more uptight about their prose than their pecks.
Smooching is great for your health
Today,
we honor kisses -- of all varieties -- with "International Kissing
Day."
Yes,
it sounds silly. But kissing can actually be a good thing to promote.
According
to studies, kissing helps reduce blood pressure, increases
hormones that make you feel happy (serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin), burns
calories, boosts self-esteem and even fights cavities.
And
while a good kiss can start a life-long romance, a bad one can quickly end any chance of a new relationship.
Most
of all, kissing -- especially the French kind -- is fun.
So,
the next time you pucker up for an open-mouth galocher, remember who to thank
for it.
Yoga Celebrate by Practicing or learning about it. The world is a far better place when more people participate in this glorious activity! www.amazon.com/author/paulbabicki ====================================================
We can be contacted at:===============================================================In addition to this blog, Netiquette IQ has a website with great assets which are being added to on a regular basis. I have authored the premiere book on Netiquette, “Netiquette IQ - A Comprehensive Guide to Improve, Enhance and Add Power to Your Email". My new book, “You’re Hired! Super Charge Your Email Skills in 60 Minutes. . . And Get That Job!” has just been published and will be followed by a trilogy of books on Netiquette for young people. You can view my profile, reviews of the book and content excerpts at: www.amazon.com/author/paulbabicki Anyone who would like to review the book and have it posted on my blog or website, please contact me paul@netiquetteiq.com. In addition to this blog, I maintain a radio show on BlogtalkRadio and an online newsletter via paper.li.I have established Netiquette discussion groups with Linkedin and Yahoo. I am also a member of the International Business Etiquette and Protocol Group and Minding Manners among others. I regularly consult for the Gerson Lehrman Group, a worldwide network of subject matter experts and I have been contributing to the blogs Everything Email and emailmonday . My work has appeared in numerous publications and I have presented to groups such as The Breakfast Club of NJ and PSG of Mercer County, NJ.
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Sunday, July 7, 2019
Netiquette IQ Blog - International Kissing Day
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