Korean Job Discussion Forums

genezorm · Joined: 01 Jul 2007 Location: Mokpo

i think the proper english term for "skinship" would be "hitting the skins"

King Baeksu · Joined: 22 Oct 2006

gajackson1 · Posted: Sat Feb 09, 2008 12:23 am Post subject:

Christina and I use it, in casual talk with each other. In our own non-online personal dictionary, it refers to the combination of friendship/relationship/intimacy we feel from skin contact with each other - the hugs, small kisses (like lips to shoulder), holding hands when we sleep, playing footsie, sitting hip-to-hip while on the subway, me petting her hair, etc.

The nonverbal communication that shares our affection/feelings when we touch. Smile

We both know that other people use it in other ways, but that is how we 'mean' it.

G.

King Baeksu · Joined: 22 Oct 2006

The interesting thing about the word skinship is that since its meaning is so vague, people tend to assign whatever particular nuance they want to it. I'll bet most Koreans, for example, have no idea that it is actually a Japanese term.

The other thing to remember is that its general meaning has evolved here over time. 20 years ago I doubt many Koreans used it in a sexual sense.

sera · Joined: 05 Feb 2007

Well...as far as I know, when people say "I like skinship" in Korean, it means they like being physically affectionate (holding hands, linking arms, hugs, etc). This applies to family, friends and of course, significant others. It does not directly mean sex, but I guess it could, depending on the context. I have yet to hear it as such.

"Did you do skinship" would probably not be asked. It would just be "Did you sleep with him/her?" or "Did you do [it] with him/her?".

my 20 won~

VanIslander · Posted: Sat Feb 09, 2008 7:15 pm Post subject:

I have no idea what 'skinship' could be.

Racial affiliation? *shrug* Not an English word.

Toss it in the rubbish bin.

(Now if it's a Korean term then so be it, in the Korean language then)

DCJames · Joined: 27 Jul 2006

Cheonmunka · Joined: 04 Jun 2004

Skinship is a way to get close to others. It's like the mate building that goes on in a rugby game and after, the mates become closer due to their physical closeness, without being thought of as gay at the same time.

Benicio · Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2008 3:04 am Post subject:

king Baeksu,

gajackson1 · Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 7:33 am Post subject:

DCJames -

Christina, sometimes (rarely these days) known as Reedtea, is my fiancee. She's been here in Korea 6 years now; I've just passed the 10 year mark myself.

Although you apparently do not know us, we used to do a lot of the ESL Get-together organizations, and a lot of people on this board do know her/us in real life. We're both North American-types, if that has any bearing at all on the word and/or how we interpret & use it.

I'm guessing no offense was meant on your part, and none was taken on my/our end.

Regards,

Glen

mrsquirrel · Joined: 13 Dec 2006