Re: Kiss (was: Many Words for One Concept (was: Interesting Words))

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Constructed Languages List [mailto:CONLANG@LISTSERV.BROWN.EDU]On
> Behalf Of Almaran Dungeonmaster
> Sent: Sunday, November 18, 2001 8:26 AM
> To: CONLANG@LISTSERV.BROWN.EDU
> Subject: Re: Kiss (was: Many Words for One Concept (was: Interesting
> Words))
>
>
> > > UK snogging = US petting, AFAIK.
> >
> > I (UK) think of snogging as mainly done with the mouth & petting
> > as mainly done with the hands.
>
> I'm not a native speaker, but the same goes for me: petting is manual for
> me, not labial. For me, petting is not sexual/erotic in nature,
> but more an
> expression of friendship, pride or compassion. I also sense a
> connection to
> the word "pet", so it definitely excludes any sexual connotation
> for me, as
> it does, I hope, for most others ;-)
"We start in to pet, and that's when I get
Her talcum all over my vest!"

Actually, at least in American English, the verb 'to pet' has several
senses.  My Webster's lists the following:

vt
1) to treat as a pet;
2) to stroke in a gentle and loving way;
3) to treat with unusual kindness and consideration
vi
1) to engage in amorous embracing, caressing, and kissing (see Neck)

It is the latter sense that is referred to here.  Surprisingly, WordNet only
lists one sense for the verb:

1. pet -- (stroke or caress gently, "pet the lamb")

but lists the following for the noun, 'petting':

1. caressing, cuddling, fondling, hugging, kissing, necking, petting,
smooching, snuggling -- (foreplay without contact with the genital organs)

I believe it with this last sense of foreplay that the term is most often
used.

Stay curious,
David

David E. Bell
The Gray Wizard
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ir gonar amis
www.graywizard.net

Wisdom begins in wonder.
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