The Best Hug in the World-The “CWTCH” from Wales

Dear Reader:

Every time I get an update on my ancestry lineage from Ancestor. com -the percentages shift among all the countries that make up the British Isles… with Wales overtaking England now-and squeezed in between Ireland and Scotland.

So when I came across an upbeat fun article on the inventive word for hug from Wales… I was immediately intrigued.

CWTCH is loosely pronounced in English “kutch” rhyming with ” Butch.” Originally the definition meant a cubbyhole or a kind of hug, …But in Wales it is much much more.

It is a warm embracing safe love born of friendship, family and an open accepting spirit towards all mankind.

Among the Welsh people this shared moment of tenderness includes a longing for Wales wherever they go.

Haven’t we all been unlucky recipients of bear-like aggressive hugs where we are left gasping for air… however well-meaning? A CWTCH is smaller, safer, tender and cozy.

The word can also be a cookie cutter with hearts or a journal with loving messages in it to family and friends.

So until tomorrow… I wish I had known this cute expression that many Welsh grandmothers use with their grandchildren while keeping the little Dingles yesterday!

” Tooty down for a CWTCH” means something like… ” Bend your knees low enough so I can give you a hug.” 🥰

” Today is my favorite day” Winnie the Pooh

Play dough brought out Lachlan’s creativity-making a hotdog with mustard-Rutledge and Mollie went to Camden for a flag football tournament and Eloise plays with her dolls.

I keep adding more plants to my side garden-love looking out my window at all the beauty… now if we could just get some 🌧 rain!

About Becky Dingle

I was born a Tarheel but ended up a Sandlapper. My grandparents were cotton farmers in Laurens, South Carolina and it was in my grandmother’s house that my love of storytelling began beside an old Franklin stove. When I graduated from Laurens High School, I attended Erskine College (Due West of what?) and would later get my Masters Degree in Education/Social Studies from Charleston Southern. I am presently an adjunct professor/clinical supervisor at CSU and have also taught at the College of Charleston. For 28 years I taught Social Studies through storytelling. My philosophy matched Rudyard Kipling’s quote: “If history were taught in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten.” Today I still spread this message through workshops and presentations throughout the state. The secret of success in teaching social studies is always in the story. I want to keep learning and being surprised by life…it is the greatest teacher. Like Kermit said, “When you’re green you grow, when you’re ripe you rot.”
This entry was posted in Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink.

5 Responses to The Best Hug in the World-The “CWTCH” from Wales

  1. So lovely children 🌹👍🏼💕 Lots of love 😍

  2. Rachel Edwards says:

    Neat word…your children and grands are very artistic…love the hotdog…see you soon. We have JP for a few days…

    • Becky Dingle says:

      Oh…I am loving it…but don’t know how you do it…one twelve hour day lead me to one 24 hour day napping on and off …literally day and night. I was happily worn out…so glad I can rest pretty much whenever. Thank you Lord for retirement…pacing is the name of the game these days.

Leave a Reply