hand kiss

Chivalrous lip gesture

A hand kiss is a gesture of greeting, respect, or romantic deference in which one person takes another's hand and briefly touches lips to the back of it.

Once common in European aristocratic circles, it now appears mainly in formal or theatrical contexts: He greeted the countess with a hand kiss.

The gesture can read as gallant or old-fashioned depending on context.

gallantCourageously attentive and refined
knight errantRoaming medieval warrior-adventurer
chivalryKnightly code of honor
courtlyRefined and dignified
courtly loveChivalric romantic ideal

bow · greeting · respect · romance · romantic gesture · gentleman · white glove · formal · etiquette · good manners · knuckles · gesture · devotion · fair lady · aristocrat · elegance · reverence · old-fashioned

Categories

romancelove story, amor, love, boyfriend, courting
affectionhug, care, cuddle, caress, nuzzle
flirtingpickup line, wink, winking, hair flip, chat-up line
gesturesgesture, applause, tap on shoulder, snap fingers, beckon
greetingshi, hello, hey, hola, aloha
kissespeck, smooch, snog, buss, smack

Opposites

formality/intimacy of greeting

hand kissfist bump

Knuckle-to-knuckle greeting

high five · bear hug · back slap · bro hug · head nod

deference vs. dominance

hand kisshead pat

Touch someone's crown gently

dismissive wave · firm handshake · finger point · turned back · cold shoulder

affection vs. hostility

hand kissslap

Open-handed blow

punch · shove · spit · bite · hair pull

Family

hand, kiss, hands, handed, handing, handy, handle, handful, handmade

Familiarity: Top 200,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G