arm around shoulder
Sideways half-hug
A gesture of affection, comfort, or camaraderie where one person drapes an arm across another's upper back.
It signals emotional support, friendship, or protective intimacy: He put an arm around her shoulder as she cried.
The pose appears constantly in photographs of couples, teammates, and close friends.
Context determines whether the gesture reads as romantic, paternal, or simply friendly.
- embraceHold closely in arms
- hugTight, affectionate clasp
- comfortEase or soothing relief
- consolingGiving solace to another
- supportiveOffering help and reassurance
there for you · buddy · friend · got your back · squeeze · warmth · protective · reassuring · pat on back · lean · closeness · affection · drape · cuddle · companionship · side by side · gesture · intimate
- love expressionsI love you, my love, sweetheart, darling, dear
- hospitality gesturesgreeting, warm reception, opening door, gift giving, invitation
arm around shoulderhands off
Forbidding contact or meddling
keeping distance · bear hug · tight hug · arm's length · cold shoulder
arm around shouldershove
Push with force
push away · slap · punch · turning away · cold shoulder
arming, armful, armless, shoulder, shoulders, shouldered, shouldering