The phrase "cockles the heart" is often used to describe something that brings warmth and joy to one's innermost being. In IPA phonetic transcription, it would be written as /ˈkɒkəlz ði hɑːt/. The spelling "cockles" comes from the Latin word "coclearia," meaning a spoonful, and is used metaphorically here to refer to the inner chambers of the heart. The phrase likely originated in Irish folk songs and has the power to evoke feelings of nostalgia and comfort in those who hear it.
To "cockle the heart" is a figurative expression denoting an act or experience that stirs deep emotions of warmth, joy, or compassion within a person. This phrase has its origins in the belief that the "cockles" of one's heart refer to the deepest and most sensitive part of their emotional being. When something "cockles the heart," it means that it awakens or deeply touches these sentiments.
The phrase is typically associated with positive or heartwarming situations, actions, or stories that have a profound impact on someone's emotions. It suggests a feeling of intense delight, tenderness, or a surge of affection that invokes overwhelming happiness or nostalgia. Instances that can "cockle the heart" may include heartwarming gestures of kindness, profound displays of love or gratitude, unexpectedly touching moments of human connection, or even inspiring stories of triumph and resilience.
The term "cockle" is metaphorical, referring to a perceived association between the shape of certain mollusk shells (such as cockles) and the heart's ventricles, which were once believed to be the deepest seat of human emotions. Consequently, the phrase encapsulates the idea of an experience that penetrates deeply into the core of one's emotional state, leading to a profound and uplifting effect on their overall well-being.