canoodling
Lovey-dovey physical affection
Canoodling is affectionate physical intimacy—kissing, cuddling, caressing—especially in a playful or semi-public way.
The word has a slightly old-fashioned, teasing quality, often used to describe couples caught in the act: The paparazzi spotted them canoodling at a café.
It suggests behavior more flirtatious than serious, more endearing than scandalous.
Affectionate close holding
- snugglingNestling affectionately against another
- nuzzlingAffectionate rubbing with nose
- caressingTouching with affection
- embracingHolding warmly, willingly accepting
spooning · nestling · fondling · stroking · petting · hugging · squeezing · entwining
Seeking another's romantic favor
- wooingRomantic pursuit of another
- trystSecret romantic meeting
- rendezvousScheduled meeting at agreed location
- lovebirdsOpenly affectionate couple
sweetheart · passion · infatuation · amour · serenade · moonlit · stargazing · date night
Restricted to certain parties
- intimateClosely personal or private
- cozyWarm and snug
- tucked awayConcealed in storage
- firesideArea beside the hearth
blankets · secluded · hidden · backseat · corner booth · park bench · nestled · snug
cuddling
Affectionate close holding
- snugglingNestling affectionately against another
- nuzzlingAffectionate rubbing with nose
- caressingTouching with affection
embracing · spooning · nestling · fondling · stroking · petting · hugging · squeezing · entwining · holding
courtship
Seeking another's romantic favor
- wooingRomantic pursuit of another
- trystSecret romantic meeting
- rendezvousScheduled meeting at agreed location
lovebirds · sweetheart · passion · infatuation · amour · serenade · moonlit · stargazing · date night · enchantment
private
Restricted to certain parties
- intimateClosely personal or private
- cozyWarm and snug
- tucked awayConcealed in storage
fireside · blankets · secluded · hidden · backseat · corner booth · park bench · nestled · snug · alone time
teasing
Playful, mild ridicule
- whisperingBreathy, near-silent speech
- gigglingLaughing in short bursts
- winkingBrief one-eyed closure
banter · coy · coquettish · playful · innuendo · sly · cheeky · smirking · dallying · enticing
- innuendoinnuendo, sexual innuendo, double entendre, double meaning, implied meaning
- hookupshookup, one-night stand, fling, booty call, casual sex
canoodlingabstaining
Voluntarily doing without
refraining · celibacy · chastity · hands off · no touching
canoodlingfighting
Engaging in physical conflict
brawling · pushing away · shoving · hitting · slapping
canoodlingquarreling
Arguing angrily with another
arguing · ignoring · estrangement · spurning · hostility