You say "hug" in Welsh with the word cwtch (pronounced 'kutch', like 'butch'), which means a cuddle or embrace that offers safety, warmth, and comfort, not just a simple hug; the official verb is cofleidio (to hug) and the noun is cofleidiad, but cwtch is the beloved, culturally rich term, often used even in English.
1. Cwtch. Welsh word for an affectionate hug. There's no literal English translation, but its nearest equivlent is "safe place". So if you give someone a cwtch, you're giving them a "safe place".
Cwtch (pronounced 'kutch', to rhyme with 'butch') is an everyday Welsh word for a special sort of cuddle or hug, an emotionally significant embrace. It also means a cubbyhole or cupboard; a small space in which to store things safely.
You have to understand, when you give someone a cwtch you're not coming on to someone. It's a non-threatening hug, it's not a danger or a threat. It's a safe space, something that takes you back to your childhood, something that makes you feel warm – not just physically but emotionally.”
'Ty Cwtch' means a safe place, snug, or hug in Welsh, and it's exactly that!
Pysgod (or pysgodyn) wibli wobli has unofficially become the Welsh favourite nickname for the Jellyfish. It's real translation is 'slefren-fôr and it is sometimes also referred to 'cont y môr'! Most of you will have also heard of 'popty-ping' as the microwave. What other Welsh nicknames make you chuckle?
The "4 8 12 hug rule," popularized by family therapist Virginia Satir, suggests humans need 4 hugs a day for survival, 8 for maintenance, and 12 for growth, emphasizing the physiological and psychological benefits of touch, like stress reduction and oxytocin release, though studies suggest hug length (around 20 seconds) matters more than just the number.
Cwtch is a Welsh-language and Welsh-English dialect word meaning a cuddle or embrace, with a sense of offering warmth and safety. Often considered untranslatable, the word originated as a colloquialism in South Wales, but is today seen as uniquely representative of Wales, Welsh national identity, and Welsh culture.
"Yaki Da" is an attempt to pronouce Iechyd Da in phonetic English ... and should be avoided!!! Welsh for Cheers is Iechyd Da. More useful Welsh Words, Phrases and Sayings, click here ...
iechyd da in British English
(ˌjækiːˈdɑː , Welsh ˈjɛxəd dɑː ) exclamation. Welsh. a drinking toast; good health; cheers.
Pandy is the Welsh word for a fulling-mill. The village was on a route used by the early railways; the Abergavenny to Hereford line still passes to the west.
The Welsh word for 'darling' is 'annwyl' and 'anwylyd' means 'dearest'. 'Annwyl' can also mean: dear, beloved and loved etc.
Cenedl heb iaith, cenedl heb galon
This is one of Wales' most famous proverbs and means 'a nation without a language is a nation without a heart'.
One possible etymology for this form of farewell is the Welsh language, where it means "Bye Bye".
Synonyms of 'hug' in American English
Cwtch (Welsh pronunciation: [kʊtʃ]) is a Welsh-language and Welsh-English dialect word meaning a cuddle or embrace with a sense of offering warmth and safety.
This seems to be a mild Welsh exclamation - a sort of "Oh my goodness!", "Good heavens!", perhaps without blasphemous overtones, although whether a reference to the Virgin Mary is implied, I'm unsure. I note it's not mam fach, so I assume it's more "mother of a little/dear one!" than "little/dear mother!"
During industrialisation in the late 19th century, immigrants from England led to the decline in Welsh speakers particularly in the South Wales Valleys. Welsh government processes and legislation have worked to increase the proliferation of the Welsh language, for example through education.
The 20-second hug rule suggests that holding someone in a hug for about 20 seconds triggers significant therapeutic benefits, primarily the release of oxytocin, the "love hormone," which reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, fosters bonding, and promotes feelings of safety and well-being, unlike shorter, fleeting hugs. This extended touch allows the nervous system to fully respond, activating pressure receptors that calm the brain, making it a simple yet powerful tool for emotional regulation and connection.
The longest marathon hug lasted 32 hours, 32 minutes, and 32 seconds.
Are you getting enough hugs? Virginia Satir, a world-renowned family therapist, is famous for saying “We need 4 hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth.”
TWT comes from the Welsh word “twt” — meaning neat, tidy, and just right. It's often used to describe something small, well made, and cosy — just like our handcrafted tiny homes in Wales.
While 'Cymru' is the Welsh word for Wales and means 'friends' or 'fellow countrymen', the word Wales, by which most people know the country, stems from a word used by the invading Anglo Saxons to mean 'foreigners' or 'outsiders', despite the Welsh being native to the land.
Welsh Word of the Day: Pili-pala (butterfly) More info + pronunciation: https://welearnwelsh.com/words/welsh-word-pili-pala/ Peintiais i bili-pala ar ei hwyneb. = I painted a butterfly on her face.