AIR HUG Definition & Meaning

air hug

[ air huhg ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

the gesture of extending one’s arms as if to embrace another person (used as a greeting or expression of affection without physical contact when a physical hug is not possible or not appropriate).

verb (used with or without object)

to greet or express affection for (someone) in this way:
With mask and gloves on, Nicole and I air hugged from a safe distance.

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of air hug¹

First recorded in 2005–10

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Loud cries of support rose from the crowd as one speaker gave an “air hug” to Jewish people supporting their cause, drawing a distinction with the actions of the Israeli government.

From

She offers an air hug because of all the sweat, and asks Charlie whether he likes tennis.

From

I went to the office today for the first time in a long time and ran into some coworkers… one awkwardly hugged me and another one said, “air hug” - Both experiences were awkward.

From

She’s tried the air hug and the waving and the elbow-bumping, but sometimes, she still can’t help but go for the handshake.

From

To mark the moment, he suggested a “Covid air hug”; the bride and groom symbolically held each other across nearly 4,800 miles.

From

air hostess air hunger

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