hug it out
hug it out (idiom)
/hʌɡ ɪt aʊt/
Meaning
- To resolve a conflict or disagreement by embracing the other person, thereby reconciling and moving past the issue.
- To offer comfort to someone who is experiencing sadness or distress through a supportive hug, aiming to alleviate negative emotions.
- To conclude a public argument or heated discussion by suggesting a mutual hug, often to de-escalate tension and postpone further debate to a more private setting.
Example Sentences
- After their heated argument, Jake and Tom decided to hug it out and move on.
- The coach encouraged the teammates to hug it out after their disagreement on the field.
- Instead of holding grudges, Sarah and Mia chose to hug it out and restore their friendship.
- Their fight ended when their mother made them hug it out before bedtime.
- Even though they were upset, they knew the best way to fix things was to hug it out and let go of their anger.
Origin and History
The phrase encapsulates the human tendency to seek physical gestures, such as hugging, as a means of mending interpersonal conflicts and fostering emotional connections. There are various theories, and instances of its usage provide insight into how this phrase entered common parlance.
Early Usage in Popular Media
One of the earliest documented uses of “hug it out” dates back to the television sitcom Friends. In the 2000 Thanksgiving episode titled “The One Where Chandler Doesn’t Like Dogs,” the character Rachel Green, portrayed by Jennifer Aniston, uses the phrase to console her assistant, Tag. This instance suggests that the term was in use at least by the early 2000s.
Popularization Through “Entourage”
The phrase gained significant traction through its recurring use in the HBO series Entourage, which aired from 2004 to 2011. The character Ari Gold, played by Jeremy Piven, frequently used the expression, often adding a profane emphasis. Piven himself has discussed the origin and impact of the phrase in interviews, noting its resonance with audiences.
Etymological Considerations
The verb “hug” has been part of the English language since the mid-16th century, with its origins traced back to around 1560. The precise etymology is uncertain, but one theory suggests a connection to the Old Norse word “hugga,” meaning “to comfort.” Another hypothesis links it to the German word “hegen,” meaning “to foster” or “cherish.” The addition of “it out” in the phrase aligns with similar constructions in English where conflicts are resolved through a particular action, such as “talk it out” or “fight it out.”
Speculative Origins in Childcare Practices
Some believe that the phrase may have originated in settings involving children. In educational or familial contexts, adults might encourage children to “hug it out” after disputes as a way to promote reconciliation and teach conflict resolution. This practice could have naturally extended into adult vernacular over time.
Synonyms
- bury the hatchet
- kiss and make up
- let bygones be bygones
- make amends
- patch things up
- mend fences
- smooth things over
Variants
- hug things out
- hug it all out
- let’s hug it out
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