The term "butterfly kiss" is spelled with two syllables, /ˈbʌtərflaɪ/ and /kɪs/. The first syllable, "butter," is pronounced with a short u sound, followed by the sound of the letter r, and the long i sound. The second syllable, "fly," is pronounced with the short i sound, and the s sound at the end. The word kiss is pronounced with its usual sound, which uses the letter i and the s sound at the end. The term refers to a light and fluttery kiss usually placed on someone's eyelids.
A butterfly kiss refers to a gentle and delicate gesture of affection, typically exchanged between two individuals, often used in intimate or romantic contexts. This act involves fluttering the eyelashes against another person's skin, particularly on the cheeks or eyelids. The name itself originates from the soft and brief touch of a butterfly's wings, which resembles the sensation created by the gentle brush of the eyelashes.
A butterfly kiss is generally regarded as an endearing and affectionate gesture, representing tenderness and warmth. It is often accompanied by a playful, lighthearted mood between the individuals involved. The act of giving or receiving a butterfly kiss can create a sense of closeness and connection, as it involves a level of physical contact that is fleeting and ethereal.
Butterfly kisses are commonly shared between couples as a way to express love and adoration, particularly during intimate moments or when wanting to convey a sense of fondness and care. The gesture is also often shared between parents and their children as a symbol of affection and bonding. Given its delicate nature, a butterfly kiss is understood to convey a sense of innocence and purity, adding to its charm and significance in relationships.
The etymology of the phrase "butterfly kiss" is rooted in a combination of the words "butterfly" and "kiss".
The term "butterfly" traces back to the Old English word "buttorfleoge", which was a combination of "buttor", meaning "butter", and "fleoge", meaning "fly". This was primarily because butterflies were frequently found around butter or milk churns, leading to the association of the insect with the word.
On the other hand, "kiss" derives from the Old English word "cyssan" and is linked to various other Germanic languages. It has remained relatively unchanged over the centuries and continues to be used in its present form in numerous languages.
The phrase "butterfly kiss" itself emerged more recently, around the late 19th and early 20th century.