An unusual word for love

Listen to this article

Upgrade to listen

Powered by Speechify

Already have Rappler+?
Sign in to listen to groundbreaking journalism.

Are you attracted to someone who’s pulchritudinous?

MANILA, Philippines – If you grew up writing on slum books passed around in your classroom or among your neighborhood friends, it’s impossible that you haven’t come across the big question: What is love? 

If you go by the definitions in Merriam-Webster’s dictionary, love can refer to many things. It can mean “strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties,” sexual attraction, affection and tenderness felt between two people, and affection based on “admiration, benevolence, or common interests.”

Or, based on someone’s scrawny handwriting on a friend’s slum book, “love is <insert your crush’s name here>.”

No doubt that this Valentine’s season, love will definitely be defined and labeled in many ways for varied reasons.

However, as you write your love letter – to be posted online for your social media circle to see or for your lover’s eyes only via a physical letter – remember that there are many ways you can refer to the person you’re celebrating February 14 with. (READ: How to write a love letter)

It’s time to get creative! What are the other words associated with a lover and the concept of romance?

Cynosure

Cynosure, in the strictest term, refers to the the northern constellation Ursa Minor. It has been known as one that serves as a guide to seafarers and travellers alike.

It is no wonder than that the usage of the word cynosure has evolved to described someone who “is a center of attraction or attention” or “strongly attracts attention by its brilliance, interest.”  

Pulchritudinous

Yes, it is hard to pronounce and may take time to spell, but pulchritudinous is really just a deeper word that refers to the physical beauty of a person.  

It comes from the Latin word pulchritudo which means beauty, attractiveness, and excellence. 

Pigsney

Although it admittedly does not have any hint of romance, pigsney is defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as “darling and a sweetheart.”

This unlikely term of endearment comes from the Middle English word piggesnye which literally means pig’s eye. 

Its first documented use was by English poet Geoffrey Chaucer to describe a lady in The Miller’s Tale section of his work, The Canterbury Tales: 

“As brood as is the bos of a bocler.
Hir shoes were laced on hir legges hye;
She was a prymerole, a pigges-nye
For any lord to leggen in his bedde,
Or yet for any good yeman to wedde” 

Inamorata

Filipinos may find this word familiar as it bears a resemblance to Ynamorata “Yna” Macaspac, the female lead character and the object of Angelo Buenavista’s affections in the popular television series “Pangako Sa ‘Yo.” 

Appropriately, inamorata refers to a “woman with whom one has an intimate romantic relationship.” Its masculine version is inamorato. 

First used in 1651, inamorata comes from Italian word innamorata and is related to the word innamorare which means to inspire with love.

Swain

Do you have a man trying his best to catch your attention and affection? You can call him a swain. 

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the word swain refers to a male admirer or suitor; young rustic or gallant lover. 

However, its etymology may leave a bitter taste in one’s mouth as it came from Middle English word swein which means boy and servant. 

Admittedly, recipients of love letters that include any of the words mentioned above could do a double take and just read with a handy dictionary by their side.

But whether you decide to use cynosure or apple of my eye, keep in mind that words matter to a certain extent only. Remember the age-old saying: Actions speak louder than words. In other words, show, don’t tell. – Rappler.com 

“How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.” Elizabeth Barrett Browning might have had an easier time if she’d incorporated some other languages in her poetry. Different languages use different words and phrases to describe different aspects of love. To celebrate Valentine’s Day, we went around the world to collect 36 of our favorite foreign love idioms, words, and phrases to help you better describe how you feel about your valentine:

French

Retrouvailles: This literally translates to “rediscovery,” and it’s a fitting way to describe your joy at being with your beloved again after a long separation.

Avoir des atomes crochus: This phrase literally means “to have hooked atoms,” but it translates to having great chemistry with someone.

La douleur exquise: Got a crush on someone unobtainable? This French phrase describes your pain.

Coup de foudre: A lighting bolt, that initial jolt of attraction.

Italian

Cavoli riscaldati:  Translating to “reheated cabbage,” let this Italian phrase remind you why reigniting that old flame might not be such a great idea after all.

“Chi ama me, ama il mio cane.” Literally, “he who loves me, loves my dog.” If someone loves you, they accept you as you are.

“Chiodo scaccia chiodo.” Literally “a nail drives out another nail,” this usually used to console someone after a breakup.

Portuguese

Cafuné: In Brazil, this is the act of running your fingers through your lover’s hair.  Brazil has always been a melting pot, and it’s possible this word was borrowed from the Kimbundu language of Angola.

Saudade: When “I miss you” isn’t enough, suadade is a “deep emotional state of nostalgic or profound melancholic longing for an absent something or someone that one loves. ”

Cheiro no cangote: To nuzzle someone’s neck with your nose.

Japanese

Koi No Yokan:  Not quite the same as “love at first sight,” this is the feeling that you are destined to fall in love eventually.

Honmei-choko: Chocolates given because you love someone

Takana no hana: Literally, “a flower on a high peak.” This is used to describe a seemingly oblivious or unattainable love interest.

Chinese

Yuanfen: The force that binds two lovers together, or the romantic coincidences that bring them together.

日三 秋 (yí rì sān qiū): Literally, “one day, three autumns,”  this expression implies that you love someone so much that every day without them seems to last 3 years.

夫妻相 / Fūqīxiàng: “Husband wife look,” for a couple who look similar enough that they seem like they’d be a good match.

 撒娇 (Sājiāo) : To show your love for someone (and your lack of emotional maturity) by throwing a temper tantrum.

Dutch

Gezelligheid: This word “can be translated as convivial, cozy, or  fun, but can also show someone belonging, time spent with loved ones, the fact of seeing a friend after a long absence, or the general togetherness that gives people a warm feeling.”

Een beschuitje met iemand willen eten:  Literally, this translates “to want to eat a rusk” with someone . . . with an implied “in bed” at the end.

Queesting: To invite someone into bed to snuggle and talk.

Arabic

Hawa: The first stage of falling in love, from a root word meaning “a transient wind that can rise and fall.”

Alaaqa:  The second stage of falling in love, when you’ve just begun to get attached.

Ishq:  A “blind desire” for the one you love.

Shaghaf: All-consuming love.

Huyum: So in love that you’ve lost all reason.

Y’aburnee or Tuqburni: This translates to “you bury me”, and means you hope that person outlives you because you don’t want to live without them.

Hungarian

Csókolgat: To shower someone with kisses

German

Anhimeln: To be so taken by someone it’s as if you’re staring at the sky.

Spanish

Flechazo: Literally an “arrow shot,” this describes that “love at first sight” feeling perfectly.

Media naranja (Costa Rica): Why settle for being someone’s “other half” when you could be the other half of their orange?

Norwegian

Forelsket: That walking-on-air feeling you get when you first fall in love.

Czech

Litost:  That feeling you get when you run into an ex and you still aren’t quite over it yet. Basically, this:

Rapa Nui

Manabamate: Are you so in love you don’t care about eating? The Rapa Nui people of Easter Island have a word for that.

Yaghan (indigenous language of Tierra del Fuego)

Mamihlapinatapai: That look two people share when each is waiting for the other to make the next move. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, it is the “most succinct” word in the world.

Hindi

Viraag: Emotional pain caused by separation from the one you love.

Viraha: When it takes a separation to make you realize that you love someone.

Can you think of any other interesting or unusual words or phrases used to talk about love in other languages? We’d love to hear them, so post them in the comments. Oh, and Happy Valentine’s Day to you!

According to the well-known folk wisdom «women love with their ears». However, this does not mean at all, that the male part of the population of our planet is not averse to hearing compliments, addressed to them.

If the man you love doesn’t mind, then it is worth thinking about, how to please him, coming up with some cute and funny nickname.

Listen to recommendations on the right approaches to expressing feelings for a man with affectionate words:

Any pair of lovers is unique and unique so much, how unique is their relationship. And if a girl is in love with her chosen one, then she tries to come up with a nickname for him. And all the fair sex are trying to invent such an association from giving the meaning of affectionate words, which would be as exclusive as possible, affectionate and pleasant to the ear.

Varieties of male nicknames

All fictional diminutives can be classified according to several criteria.. Here are some of them:

• Name (surname). The easiest way to choose a nickname is to associate it with the name or surname of a loved one.. For example «ram» with the surname Baranov or «Petyunka» if the guy’s name is Peter.
• Character. Here they start from certain character traits. People with a quick-tempered and aggressive disposition are often called «tyranny», and people who are not particularly demanding of themselves and their actions are «lazy».
• Age. For a man, prestige is very important, so in order not to drop it, it is very important to pay attention to age. If a couple has a difference in 10 years or more, men are often called «daddy» or «daddy», however, do not use the cynical and vulgar «sugar daddy».
• Traditions. There are many common nicknames, and many girls do not at all strive for originality when choosing a nickname pleasant to them and the guy. Especially enhance the effect for such «handsome», «Peaches» and «pupsikov» can the word «My».
• Love. In addition, the use of the aforementioned word «mine» can neutralize the negative effect of any nickname, as it serves as an expression of love. The guy’s delight has no boundaries, if he knows, that he is only your «cat», and only this way and nothing else.
• Dignity. The use of the word «most» in relation to any nickname will significantly increase a man’s self-esteem and give him self-confidence. Therefore, calling him «the strongest» or «the kindest», you will be pleasantly surprised, what miracles can happen to a guy using just one word.

TOP-15 Pleasant phrases for men (list)

There is a stereotype, that men only love delicious food, passionate sex, exciting sport, Well, of course, women. But everything is not so primitive and standard, as it seems to many. If you take a closer look at the chosen one, then you can be very pleasantly surprised and fall in love with him even more, but at the same time, surprise him with your words .

1. Native.
2. Affectionate.
3. Cat.
4. Sun.
5. Wonderful.
6. Dear.
7. Favourite.
8. My good.
9. Only.
10. My angel.
11. Tender.
12. Sexual.
13. Beautiful
14. Best.
15. Great.

Unusual words for a man

Ideal. Long awaited. Talented. Hot. Chocolate. Courageous. Unforgettable. Unusual. Wise. Understanding. Strong. Caring. Sincere. Soulful. Sexy. Present. Shining. Desired. Great. Fairy. Sweet. Mysterious. Cute. Unusual. Great. Elegant. Imposing.

Sweet words, which men love

Vrednyushka. King. Macho. Temperamental. Brave. The best (lover). My prince. My Lord. My owner. My Lord. My divine. My inspiration.

Beautiful words to a man in prose: about love, at night, miss…

The above words can also be used to build phrases, then a man will be delighted with this.

You can give an example of a huge number of such expressions., best according to men:

• My favorite kitten, I’m so lonely and bad without you, that I want to be with you always.
• I want to purr in your ear about, how I love you and never get tired of it.
• The best day for me is that, at the end of which you will return home and fall into my arms.
• The most beautiful evenings and nights for me will be those, during which we will chat with you about everything in the world, looking at the moon and the magnificent surf.
• Today I am the happiest, because you are next to me. The one, which is softer than clouds and warmer than the sun.
• I will reflect on the asphalt, sand and walls all my delight from you. And if suddenly these inscriptions disappear, i will write them again.
• Remember, my love for you is eternal and never ends.
• You are my dream, which finally came true thanks to our meeting, I’m glad, that we found each other and now we will always be together. I really need.
• You’re an angel, descended from heaven. You gave me your heart and wings. This is priceless to me, and in return I will give you all of me.
• You are so sexy, that my body is burning with passion and desire. help me, put out this fire. touch me, hug, kiss, let me enjoy you.
• My hero, i am ready to die for your love, but why, because I want to live and enjoy you, your emotions and feelings. And I also want to exchange them, give me yours, and I will give you mine … We will like.
• You are for me the most dear and dear person in the whole world. thank you, that in this whole huge world you are right next to me.
• There is great joy in my life. And it is you. Apparently I deserve it with my love, which serves as your amulet and amulet, she will heal you from wounds and protect you from all troubles.
• I’ve been given many gifts in my life, but your gifts are the most beautiful, and the best gift for me is you.
• I will never deceive you in my life, because you are worthy only of pure and bright truth. Even if this truth tastes bitter, I will never hide anything from you anyway, just because you deserve it. And I will brighten the bitterness of this truth with my kisses and hugs.
• The best morning is that, which starts with your kiss.

Compliments and affectionate words about a hobby of a loved one

Men are mostly romantics. But they will always appreciate, if you reflect their passions or hobbies in your compliments, share his hobbies in conversation with him, give it special attention. Here are examples of such situations.

• Favourite, I know, FIFA World Cup starts today, which you have been waiting for. I promise you, that I will not interfere with enjoying the spectacle. I also bought you beer and chips and I won’t be angry at all, when you scream and applaud loudly. I want you to rest!
• Do you want, I will cook your favorite dishes. I am ready to fulfill all your culinary desires and passions. I promise to do so, that you will remember this dinner for a long time.
• I want to make you a gift! I will buy you a new rod in a new store, which I looked after recently. I want to do something nice, to make you feel happy.

List of gentle and sexy phrases for SMS to your beloved guy

• You are brighter, than light, sweeter than candy, you are the best, I know that and I adore you.
• My sweetest little man, I am crazy in love with you, you are the dearest to me. You are for me, like a bright sun, which shines and warms me with its warmth every day.
• I’m just out of the shower. Transparent drops of water caress my skin, and I’m so sorry, that you are not caressing me.
• To me you’re like a drop of moonlight in the middle of a dark night.
• I love you all, whole whole: eyes, the words, sweet Lips, thoughts. I reflect your tenderness, your kisses, driving me crazy, the scent of your body, sight, caressing me, in which I see warmth and fire, which make me just happy.
• I am immensely glad every our meeting, every call and message.
• I’m like a piece of ice, melting in your strong and tight arms. And I adore my most precious treasure — you!
• Message from your mobile operator: If you don’t send a message to your beloved, then we will be forced to disconnect the subscriber.
• You are very unstable and I know it. But I’d rather be doubting, that you love me, than to be confident, what no.
• In this dark wilderness of the night, I only want one thing — to be by your side, my native!
• All 61 second in a minute and that’s it 25 hours a day I think only of you. … And already in time I got confused.
• Billions of people live on our planet, but I think only about you. And i know why. Because no one can lure you.
• Hello, favourite. I’m literally fresh out of the shower. And you have exactly 5 minutes, so I don’t have time to get dressed.
• If you are tired of me, call the police, if you feel bad from me, then to the ambulance, and if you burn from my sight, then you should definitely go to the firemen.
• You are worried about the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. We have information, what if you don’t kiss your girlfriend hard when you get home, then you explode like a bomb.
• Put your lips to my heart and feel all the warmth, love and tenderness that I feel, seeing you.
• As soon as you were born, Rain is coming. Probably, this sky was crying, it knew, that a beautiful angel goes to earth, then to find your love.
• And we girls are like telephones. They take us with them, talk to us, but you should accidentally press the wrong place, how will they turn you off immediately.
• But I’ll call you now, and I will say, that you’re just the best!
• When the world is sweet and beautiful, it becomes clear, that only you are more beautiful than him.
• If you are in a bad mood, I want to turn into your guardian angel and give you a smile.
• You remind me of an unbridled wild cowboy, macho, bullfighter. I am insanely good with you and it cannot be otherwise.
• call me back. I want to hear your voice and remember, how beautiful he is.
• It’s just hard for you to imagine, how i want to hug your long hairy, slender legs.
• Attention wanted! The most beautiful eyes in the world made the illegal crossing of the border of friendship and love and committed theft of my heart. If you find, call me immediately.
• We know very little, but I know you already well. Especially your eyes, lips and smile. I will never trade them for anything.
• Love me with all your soul and heart. It is a great happiness and a cherished dream — to be next to you..
• But you know, what i decided today: 1. I will not talk on the phone for hours anymore; 2. quit smoking; 3. stop falling in love with guys like that, like you, because, that I don’t want to depend on your whims.
• You are like the south breeze, exotic fruit nectar, gentle tropical sea breeze, carrying away into the distance, loud-voiced bird of paradise, the scent of a summer meadow, heady to madness. I love you more than life!
• When the distance between us, I’m going crazy, I feel so bad and sad, but the sweeter and more joyful the meeting will be. Love, you my dear boy.
• My thoughts fly in the dark, when you are not around, come back to me soon, I’m waiting for you!
• You are the sweet nectar of heavenly fruits, gentle warm and cheerful south wind, gentle breeze of the tropical sea, sweet-voiced bird of paradise, you are the heady scent of a summer meadow. Love you madly!

Amazingly accurate selection of affectionate words and tips for choosing a nickname for your beloved, associated with his zodiac sign:

OTHER WORDS FOR love

1 tenderness, fondness, predilection, warmth, passion, adoration. 2 liking, inclination, regard, friendliness. 15 like. 16 adore, adulate, worship.

Keeping this in consideration, What can I say instead of I love You?

What to Say Instead of “I Love You”

• Every time I look at you, I feel love and inspiration.
• I just wouldn’t feel complete without you.
• I am here for you . . . …
• You are my treasure—the most precious thing in my life.
• You’re my baby.
• I’m all yours.
• You complete me.

Secondly What’s a word more powerful than love? Yes,There is word ‘Hope’ and where there is stronger word ‘Love’ , there is even strongest word ‘Hope’. “Hope is a good thing, may be the best of things and No good thing ever dies” – Shawshank Redemption.

What are the 3 words better than I love you?

You need to muster all your strength to utter the three words – I, Love and You – together.

What is a stronger word than I love you?

Cherish – I cherish my time with you.

This is stronger than the word ‘love’ in that it shows just how much you value spending time with them.

What is the strongest form of love?

Agape is the highest level of love to offer. It’s given without any expectations of receiving anything in return. Offering Agape is a decision to spread love in any circumstances — including destructive situations.

What is the most romantic word?

– “Amour”, the French word for love, has been voted the most romantic word in the world in a pre-Valentine’s Day survey of language experts. It narrowly beat “amore”, the Italian word for love, although Italian was named the world’s most romantic language.

What words impress a girl?

The most important tip when you want to impress girls with words is to convey a sense of dominance while being romantic.

• Vocabulary to impress your girlfriend or date.
• Enticing. Enticing means attractive. …
• Wondrous. …
• Stunning. …
• Elegant. …
• Breath-taking. …
• Ravishing. …
• Striking.

What are the 3 magical words?

The Three Magic Words

• Set your intention. …
• Create Agreement. …
• Eliminate or minimize distractions. …
• Speak from your experience. …
• Don’t interrupt. …
• You can be right or you can relate. …
• Thank your partner for accepting your request to talk and find something positive to acknowledge him or her for.
• Keep the dialogue alive.

What are 5 ways to say I love you?

5 Different Ways To Say “I love you“

• I can’t stop thinking about you. No one matters but you.
• I’ve got you under my skin. I lost my heart to you.
• You set my heart on fire. Words. to express: to say opinions or feelings. express in other languages. QUIZ. Teacher’s pet is ___

What is love to a child?

“Love is when you really care about someone or something,” Carroll suggests as an opener, “so you try very hard to take care of them and keep them safe, just like how mommy and daddy take care of you and keep you safe.”

What are the 7 types of love?

7 Distinct Greek Words Describe Different Kinds of Love—Which Have You Experienced?

1. Eros: romantic, passionate love. …
2. Philia: intimate, authentic friendship. …
3. Ludus: playful, flirtatious love. …
4. Storge: unconditional, familial love. …
5. Philautia: self-love. …
6. Pragma: committed, companionate love. …
7. Agápe: empathetic, universal love.

What are the 3 levels of love?

Sternberg (1988) suggests that there are three main components of love: passion, intimacy, and commitment. Love relationships vary depending on the presence or absence of each of these components. Passion refers to the intense, physical attraction partners feel toward one another.

What are the 7 stages of love?

Dilkashi (attraction), uns (infatuation), ishq (love), akidat (trust), ibadat (worship), junoon (madness) and maut (death) – these are the seven stages of love outlined by Khalujan, played by Naseeruddin Shah, in the 2014 Bollywood film Dedh Ishqiya.

What is unique word?

To explain this very simply, a unique word is one that’s unusual or different in some way. It might have a complicated history or interesting connections to another language.

How do I text romantic?

If you still don’t know where to start, here are some ideas to help you begin your own sweet text serenade.

1. Express What You Wish You Were Doing. …
2. Let Them Know When You Think Of Them. …
3. Tell Them How They Make You Feel. …
4. Send Them Something Only They’d Understand. …
5. Lean Into The Cheesiness. …
6. Tell Them A Story. …
7. Send Them A Song.

What words make a girl feel special?

Here are 9 nice sweet things to say to a girl:

• I wish you were a coin. …
• If my days started with a kiss from you then I would never drink coffee. …
• You brighten up my day every time I see you. …
• I want to make time stand still when I’m with you but time always finds a way to fly past.

What are cute things to say to a girl?

120 Sweet Things to Say to a Girl

• I can’t stop thinking about you.
• How are you today?
• Your smile is on my mind.
• I really enjoyed the time we spent together today.
• Being with you makes me incredibly happy.
• You make me feel like a million bucks.
• I have been so much happier since we started spending time together.

How can I impress my crush?

15 Effective Ways To Impress Your Crush And Get Him To Notice You

1. Be confident in yourself. …
2. Stay positive to impress your crush. …
3. Be real to impress your crush. …
4. Become independent. …
5. Be kind to others to impress your crush. …
6. Stay fit to impress your crush. …
7. Be outstanding in your work or school. …
8. Be genuinely interested in his life.

What can I text her to make her fall in love?

Below are some sweet words to tell a girl to make her fall in love with you

• You have made my dreams come true.
• Spending time with you is what I love most. …
• My day starts with you in my mind and ends with your sweet dreams.
• Spending some time with you makes me feel so happy.

What is 3 magical words in love?

Love you too!

Nothing else can match the charm of ‘I love you’, the sacred sentence. You need to muster all your strength to utter the three words — I, Love and You — together. You are with your special someone in a beautiful hill station in India.

How do you say I love you in a cute way?

Cute Ways to Say “I Love You”

1. I’m crazy about you.
2. You’re my dream come true.
3. You take my breath away.
4. Since you’ve been around I smile a lot more than I used to.
5. There is no one I’d rather steal blankets from.
6. You’re my partner in crime.
7. You look great today and every day.
8. I’m jealous of people who get to see you every day.

What is the strongest word of love?

Affection

Affection is the ultimate expression of love and a deep love that endures the trials and tribulations of life. Affection is not so much a word you might use but us borne out by demonstrable actions. Affection can be the smallest but most significant token.

How soon is too soon to say love YOU?

According to 2020 OKCupid data on 6,000 people shared with mindbodygreen, 62% of people think you should say “I love you” “as soon as you feel it,” whereas 22% think you should wait “several months,” and 3% think you should wait “at least a year.” On average, research has found men take about three months to say “I …

How do you say I love you in a cute way of texting?

More Cute Ways to Text Your Lover

Make sure you apply this in your text so that love can fly in the air; You Are Making Me Crazy. Your Voice Soothe Me. You Make Me Calm.

How do you express love?

Below are the most common five ways to express love.

1. Gifts. Some people express and feel love through gift-giving. …
2. Acts. Another way to express love is to do something kind or helpful for another person. …
3. Time. Spending quality time together is also an expression of love. …
4. Touch. …
5. Words.