How Do You Spell COUVADE?

Pronunciation: [kˈuːve͡ɪd] (IPA)

Couvade is a French word that refers to the practice in some cultures where the father adopts certain behaviors or restrictions during his partner's pregnancy. It is pronounced as "koo-vahd" (/kuːˈvɑːd/) with the stress on the second syllable. The IPA phonetic transcription reveals that it has two syllables, with the first syllable being pronounced as "ku" (/kuː/) and the second syllable as "vahd" (/vɑːd/). Though it is not commonly used in English, the word couvade still represents a fascinating cultural practice.

COUVADE Meaning and Definition

1. Couvade is a cultural and anthropological phenomenon found in various indigenous tribes and societies around the world. Derived from the French word, "couve", meaning "to hatch", it refers to a set of rituals and customs observed by fathers during and after childbirth.

   In a couvade practice, the expectant or newly delivered father assumes the role of experiencing symptoms and engaging in behaviors traditionally associated with pregnancy and childbirth, mimicking the physical and emotional changes usually exclusive to the mother. This can include but is not limited to abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue, emotional ups and downs, and even performing rest and dietary restrictions.

   As a symbolic act, couvade serves to recognize and accommodate the father's role in childbirth and the immediate postpartum period. It reinforces the notion that pregnancy and childbirth are shared experiences between parents, promoting a sense of shared responsibility and solidarity.

   Couvade rituals vary widely across cultures and may involve specific ceremonies, such as the father going into seclusion, wearing specific clothing or jewelry, abstaining from certain activities, or observing dietary restrictions. These practices often serve as a rite of passage for fathers, marking their transition into parenthood.

   Although couvade is generally seen as a cultural custom rather than a medical phenomenon, it has fascinated researchers and scholars, offering insights into gender roles, cultural beliefs, and the social dynamics within communities.

Common Misspellings for COUVADE

• xouvade
• vouvade
• fouvade
• douvade
• ciuvade
• ckuvade
• cluvade
• cpuvade
• c0uvade
• c9uvade
• coyvade
• cohvade
• cojvade
• coivade
• co8vade
• co7vade
• coucade
• coubade
• couvqade
• bouvade

Etymology of COUVADE

The word "couvade" comes from the French couver, which means "to brood" or "to hatch", and it ultimately traces back to the Latin word cubare, meaning "to lie down" or "to rest". "Couvade" refers to a custom in some cultures where fathers participate in certain rituals during and after their partner's pregnancy, often imitating symptoms related to childbirth. The term originated in French, but its precise etymology beyond that is unclear.

Similar spelling word for COUVADE

• covet.

Plural form of COUVADE is COUVADES