Let’s be honest – love is weird. It makes us do silly things, say even sillier things, and feel emotions we can barely put into words. Turns out, though, there are actually words (from English and around the world) that capture those odd, wonderful, and totally relatable romantic moments we all experience but never knew how to name.
Whether you’re navigating the dating scene, in a long-term relationship, or just here for the linguistic chaos, this A-Z of weird love words is for you. No stuffy dictionary definitions here – just real, relatable scenarios that’ll make you go, “Oh! That’s exactly how I felt on my last date!” 🥰
A – Agastopia
Ever found yourself completely mesmerised by one tiny part of someone’s body? Like, you can’t stop staring at their smile, their hands, or even their laugh lines? That’s agastopia – the admiration of a specific part of a person’s body. Pro tip: Complimenting this (tactfully!) is way more memorable than a generic “you’re pretty” on a first date.
B – Bibble
We’ve all been there: a cozy first date at a café, and your date is so relaxed that they’re sipping their latte and munching on a scone with the cutest little noisy enthusiasm. Bibble means to eat or drink noisily (or just drink often), and honestly? It’s one of those weirdly endearing habits that makes someone feel real.
C – Cwtch
This Welsh word is a game-changer. It’s not just a hug – it’s a safe hug. The kind where you bury your face in someone’s shoulder, feel totally at ease, and forget all your worries. Perfect for after a long day, a nervous first date goodbye, or just because. If someone offers you a cwtch, hold onto them.
D – Doodling Together (Okay, D for “Domestic Doodling” – cut us some slack!)
Okay, so “doodling” itself isn’t weird, but the act of doodling side by side on a napkin during a lazy brunch? That’s a weirdly intimate love language. No words needed – just scribbles, laughter, and the quiet comfort of being with someone who doesn’t mind your terrible drawing skills.
E – Erinaceous
Warning: Use this one with caution (or not at all, if your date’s name is Erin!). Erinaceous means resembling a hedgehog – think messy hair after a long walk, or a cozy sweater with a fuzzy texture. It’s weird, it’s cute, but maybe save it for when you’re past the “trying to impress” stage.
F – Forelsket
This Norwegian word is pure magic. It’s the giddy, butterflies-in-your-stomach feeling when you first start falling in love – the late-night texts, the constant daydreaming, the way your heart skips a beat when you see their name pop up on your phone. It’s not quite love yet, but it’s the delicious prequel.
G – Gigil
Ever looked at your partner (or crush) and felt an overwhelming urge to pinch their cheeks, squish their face, or ruffle their hair? That’s gigil, a Filipino word for the uncontrollable desire to squeeze something (or someone) because they’re just too cute. It’s weird, it’s intense, and it’s 100% a sign of love.
H – Hygge
Danish culture knows how to do love right. Hygge is that warm, cozy feeling you get when you’re with someone you care about – think candlelit dinners, fuzzy blankets, hot chocolate, and zero pressure. It’s not just a date night; it’s the feeling that you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.
I – Iktsuarpok
This Inuit word is so relatable it hurts. It’s the anxious excitement of waiting for someone to come over – pacing the floor, checking the window every two minutes, straightening the cushions even though they’re already perfect. We’ve all done it before a big date, and let’s be real: it’s half the fun.
J – Jentacular
Jentacular means “pertaining to breakfast” – and what’s more romantic than breakfast in bed, or a lazy Sunday morning coffee run with your person? It’s the small, everyday moments that count, and this word turns a simple meal into a love language.
K – Komorebi
This Japanese word describes the dappled sunlight that filters through tree leaves – and it’s the perfect word for that dreamy first date walk in the park. You’re talking, laughing, and the light is hitting their face just right… that’s komorebi, and it’s the kind of moment that feels like a movie.
L – Layby
Okay, this one’s a bit darker (but still weirdly specific). Layby (a British term) originally means a roadside parking spot, but in dating terms, it refers to someone who’s still with you but already has one foot out the door – they’re “parked” with you while they wait for someone better. Red flag alert!
M – Mamihlapinatapei
This Yagan word from Tierra del Fuego is often called the “most untranslatable word in the world” – and it’s all about love. It describes that silent, meaningful look between two people who both want to make a move (a kiss, a confession) but are too nervous to do it. We’ve all been there, and it’s equal parts terrifying and thrilling.
N – Nudiustertian
Nudiustertian means “the day before yesterday” – but in love terms, it’s that weird feeling when you’re replaying your date from the day before yesterday over and over in your head. Did they laugh at your joke? Was that hug lingering? This word turns overthinking into a fancy linguistic quirk.
O – Oodal
Ever had a silly fight with your partner, then spent the next hour pretending to be mad even though you’re already over it? That’s oodal, an Indian word for pretending to be angry after an argument. It’s playful, it’s petty, and it’s a sure sign of a comfortable relationship.
P – Pauciloquent
Pauciloquent means “uttering few words” – and sometimes, the best romantic moments are the quiet ones. A walk home in silence where you’re both just happy to be together, a hug that says more than “I love you,” a text that’s just a heart emoji. You don’t need to fill every silence, and this word celebrates that.
Q – Quaintrelle
A quaintrelle is a woman who takes great pleasure in the finer things in life – good food, nice clothes, beautiful surroundings. Dating a quaintrelle means you’ll have the best date nights (think fancy bakeries, art galleries, sunset picnics) and it’s a weirdly lovely way to describe someone who loves deeply and lives fully.
R – Ratoon
Ratoon refers to a small shoot growing from the root of a plant – and in love terms, it’s that little spark that keeps a relationship going even when things get tough. It’s the inside joke that still makes you laugh after 10 years, the way they make you tea when you’re sick, the small moments that grow into something big.
S – Saudade
This Portuguese word is a mix of nostalgia, longing, and love – it’s the feeling you get when you miss someone but also cherish the memories you have with them. It’s missing your partner while they’re away, or thinking about a past relationship with warmth (not sadness). It’s a complex emotion, but so beautiful.
T – Toska
Toska is a Russian word for a deep, unexplainable sadness – but in love, it’s that ache you feel when you’re apart from someone you care about. It’s not a bad sadness; it’s a reminder of how much you love them. Like when you’re at work and all you can think about is coming home to them.
U – Ulotrichous
Ulotrichous means “having woolly or curly hair” – and let’s be real, there’s something weirdly romantic about playing with someone’s curly hair. Running your fingers through it, twisting a curl around your finger, watching it bounce when they laugh. It’s a small, intimate gesture, and this word makes it sound fancy.
V – Viraag
Viraag is a Hindi word for the pain of being separated from your loved one – whether it’s a long-distance relationship, a work trip, or just a busy week. It’s the loneliness you feel when they’re not there, but also the excitement of being reunited. Love hurts sometimes, but this word makes that hurt feel valid.
W – Waldeinsamkeit
This German word describes the peaceful loneliness of being alone in the woods – but in love, it’s the feeling of being with someone and still feeling completely at peace with yourself. A relationship shouldn’t make you lose yourself; it should make you feel more like yourself. That’s waldeinsamkeit with a side of romance.
X – Xertz
Xertz means “to gulp down quickly and greedily” – and it’s perfect for that first date where you’re both so nervous you chug your drinks, or that lazy night in where you share a pizza and eat it like you haven’t had food in days. It’s messy, it’s unpolished, and it’s the kind of realness that makes a relationship work.
Y – Ya’aburnee
This Arabic word translates literally to “you bury me” – and it’s one of the most beautiful love phrases ever. It means you hope your loved one outlives you, so you never have to experience life without them. It’s intense, it’s heartfelt, and it’s the kind of love that lasts a lifetime.
Z – Zombie-ing
Last but not least, zombie-ing. This modern dating term refers to someone who ghosts you (disappears without a trace) then suddenly comes back like nothing happened, trying to rekindle things. It’s weird, it’s annoying, and it’s a good reminder to swerve anyone who doesn’t respect your time.
There you have it – 26 weird love words that capture all the messy, wonderful, and totally relatable parts of romance. Did any of these resonate with you? Have you ever experienced agastopia or mamihlapinatapei? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear your weird love stories! 💬
P.S. If you use any of these words on a date, let me know how it goes. Just maybe skip erinaceous and layby… trust me.