public affection
Open romantic gestures
Public affection refers to romantic or intimate physical contact displayed openly where others can see—holding hands, kissing, embracing.
The phrase usually appears in discussions of what's socially acceptable: Public affection makes some people uncomfortable.
The fuller form "public display of affection" (PDA) is more common in American English.
- kissingLip-to-lip contact
- making outExtended romantic kissing
- stolen kissesRomantic gestures taken unbidden
- holding handsGripping another's palm
- hand holdingExcessive guidance or support
cuddling · embrace · PDA · couples · love birds · romance · intimacy · displays · touching · hugging · nuzzling · canoodling · lovebirds · sweethearts · sweet nothings · park bench · sidewalk · onlookers
- Relationship Commitmentpromise keeping, loyalty, dedication, faithfulness, consistency
- culture shockdisorientation, homesickness, adjustment period, reverse culture shock, acculturation
emotional expression vs. restraint
public affectionemotional restraint
Suppressing outward feeling display
public, publicly, publics, publication, publicity, publicize, publicized, publicizing, publish