General
cwtch
What does cwtch mean?
A cuddle. Not a polite one — a proper warm, safe, squeeze-the-life-into-you hug. Used as both noun and verb across Wales, and considered untranslatable by anyone Welsh because no English word carries the same warmth.
"Come here and give your nan a cwtch before you go."
Origin
From Welsh 'cwtsh', itself likely from Middle English 'couche' (a resting place, via Old French). Pronounced 'kutch' to rhyme with 'butch'. One of the most-loved Welsh words to cross into English.
Frequently asked questions
How do you pronounce cwtch?
'Kutch' — the 'w' is the vowel, like the 'oo' in 'book' but shorter. Rhymes with 'butch'.
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