Kiss

A kiss (from Old English cyssan "to kiss", in turn from coss "a kiss", perhaps onomatopoeic) is the touching of the lips to some other thing; usually another person.

Other uses

The term is also used for expressions of affection that do not involve the lips. The "Eskimo Kiss" is executed by the two individuals gently rubbing the tips of their noses together - in the Maori culture of New Zealand this is called a hongi.

Related Topics:
Nose - Maori culture - New Zealand - Hongi

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A kiss can be "blown" using actions of the hand and the mouth. This is used to convey affection usually while parting, when the partners are physically distant but can view each other. Blown kisses are also used when a popular person wishes to convey affection to a large crowd or audience.

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The kiss does not exist in all cultures, certain societies finding it repugnant.

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