air hug

[ air huhg ]

noun

1. the gesture of extending one’s arms as if to embrace another person (used as a greeting or expression of affection without physical contact when a physical hug is not possible or not appropriate).

verb (used with or without object)

1. to greet or express affection for (someone) in this way:

   With mask and gloves on, Nicole and I air hugged from a safe distance.

Word History and Origins

Origin of air hug¹

First recorded in 2005–10

Example Sentences

Loud cries of support rose from the crowd as one speaker gave an “air hug” to Jewish people supporting their cause, drawing a distinction with the actions of the Israeli government.

From Los Angeles Times

She offers an air hug because of all the sweat, and asks Charlie whether he likes tennis.

From Washington Post

I went to the office today for the first time in a long time and ran into some coworkers… one awkwardly hugged me and another one said, “air hug” - Both experiences were awkward.

From Washington Post

She’s tried the air hug and the waving and the elbow-bumping, but sometimes, she still can’t help but go for the handshake.

From Washington Post

To mark the moment, he suggested a “Covid air hug”; the bride and groom symbolically held each other across nearly 4,800 miles.

From New York Times