Cwtch - Meaning, Translation and Pronunciation

Cwtch --- Rhymes with “Butch”

Cwtch (pronounced “kutch,” rhyming with “butch”) is a beloved Welsh word with a meaning far deeper than just a hug. It describes a warm, heartfelt embrace, one filled with comfort, safety, and affection. Interestingly, cwtch can also mean a cosy little nook or cupboard, a safe space to store things (or feelings) close. As the saying goes, “Anyone can cuddle, but only the Welsh can cwtch!”

A Word Shared by Welsh and English Speakers

Cwtch is one of the rare Welsh words that’s found its way into everyday English. It’s often used just as it is, without translation, by both Welsh and English speakers. While cwtch is the standard spelling, you may also see it written as cwtsh.

Cwtch in the Oxford English Dictionary

The word “cwtch” earned its place in the Oxford English Dictionary in March 2006 and remains one of the most beloved Welsh words to cross into everyday English. Used by both Welsh and English speakers, cwtch needs no translation, it perfectly captures a feeling that English words often can’t.

In Welsh English, cwtch serves as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it can mean a cosy, cupboard or cubbyhole. More affectionately, it is a warm, comforting hug that makes you feel safe and loved. As a verb, it means to cuddle, embrace, or even huddle close.

Though cwtch is the standard spelling, you might sometimes see it written as “cwtsh.” However it’s spelled, its meaning remains the same warmth, comfort, and a touch of Welsh magic.

Cwtch - a Noun and a Verb

Cwtch is used both as a noun and a verb. A person can give a 'cwtch' (a cuddle) to someone else, but you can also ask a person 'to cwtch up'. You can even explain that someone is 'cwtching' someone else! Here are some examples of the meaning of the word cwtch...

• It’s the hug you give someone which shows you really care about them.
• It’s the hug you give when your friend is upset.
• It’s the hug you give to your significant other half.
• It’s the hug you give to your pets.
• It’s the hug you give to a very good friend, who you haven’t seen in a while.
• It’s the hug you give your children.
• It’s the hug that reassures you and makes everything okay.

When you give someone a cwtch, it brings a safe haven and a sense of home.

The Cwtch or Cwtsh Debate

If Cwtch is a Welsh word, then the pronunciation of the letter ch (ch is one letter in Welsh) should be more like a Scottish word "Loch" and not like the ch in China. It is for this reason that more welsh speakers believe that that it should be spelt Cwtsh. We believe that both words are acceptable!

Cwtch Pronunciation

Cwtch is pronounced 'kutch' and it rhymes with the English word 'butch'.

Famous Examples of the word Cwtch

The word cwtch has been heard on television not least by the world-famous rugby referee, Nigel Owens. Nigel a Welsh speaker famously shamed some brawling rugby players on national TV when he said: “If you want a cwtch, do it off the field, not on it”. Also, the phrases, "anybody can cuddle but only the Welsh can cwtch" and "hugs are for everyone; cwtches are only for a few, very special people" have entered everyday usage in Wales. Apparently, the famous actress, Elizabeth Taylor said that "I just want to go and cwtch him (Richard Burton)".