billing and cooing
Sweethearts nuzzling tenderly
Billing and cooing describes the affectionate behavior of lovers—kissing, murmuring sweet nothings, and general romantic fussing over each other.
The phrase comes from the courtship behavior of doves and pigeons, who touch bills and make soft cooing sounds.
It often carries a slightly mocking tone, as if the couple's displays are excessive or saccharine: The newlyweds spent the whole dinner billing and cooing.
- doveGentle cooing bird
- loversRomantic partners
- coquetryPlayful amorous behavior
- turtledovesSmall cooing pigeons
- love birdsInfatuated romantic pair
flirtation · making eyes · cuddling · courtship · sweethearts · puppy love · embracing · canoodling · swans · affection · romance · kissing · stolen kisses · fondness · adoration · holding hands · public display of affection · petting
billing and cooingquarreling
Arguing angrily with another
fighting · bickering · arguing · squabbling · feuding
billing and cooingestrangement
Emotional separation between people
hostility · animosity · marital strife · acrimony · discord