The Village Idiom

kiss and cry

The idiom "kiss and cry" refers to a tradition in figure skating where skaters receive their scores and then move to a designated area called the "kiss and cry" to await their fate. It represents the emotional rollercoaster of anticipation, hope, and disappointment.

Emotions & feelings · Filed under K

In a sentence

  • After the skater finished her performance, she headed to the "kiss and cry" area to await her scores.
  • The tennis player received a warm embrace from his coach at the "kiss and cry" following his victory.
  • As the gymnast awaited her results, she anxiously hugged her teammates in the "kiss and cry" section.

Where it comes from and how it is used

The idiom "kiss and cry" is often used in the context of figure skating competitions. It refers to the area where skaters receive their scores and often share emotional moments with their coaches, friends, or family members. The phrase is a combination of two actions – kissing and crying – which symbolize the joy and relief of success as well as the disappointment and sadness of failure.

The exact origin of the idiom is difficult to determine, but it is believed to have originated in the mid-20th century in the world of figure skating. The term gained popularity and became widely recognized through the coverage of televised figure skating competitions, particularly the Olympic Games.

The usage of "kiss and cry" extends beyond figure skating and can be applied to any situation where individuals experience a mix of intense emotions resulting from success or failure. However, it is most commonly associated with sports and competitions where athletes have to wait for their scores or results.

The idiom itself carries a sense of dichotomy, portraying the extreme emotional contrast that can occur within a short period of time. It highlights the vulnerability and human aspect of performance, reminding us that even the most skilled individuals are not immune to the rollercoaster of emotions.

So why do people specifically "kiss" and "cry" in this context? Kissing is often seen as an expression of love, affection, and celebration. It symbolizes the moment of triumph, when the hard work and dedication pay off. On the other hand, crying is a natural response to overwhelming emotions, be it tears of joy or tears of disappointment. It represents a release of pent-up emotions and shows the depth of an individual's investment in their performance.

The idiom "kiss and cry" encapsulates the complex range of emotions experienced in moments of success or failure, particularly in the world of figure skating and competitive sports. It highlights the human element of performance and serves as a reminder that even the most accomplished individuals are susceptible to the rollercoaster of emotions.

The idiom "kiss and cry" and its related idioms, "kiss and make up" and "throw a kiss", all revolve around the themes of emotions, affection, and human connection. They highlight the power of gestures and actions to convey complex feelings and experiences. Whether it's the intense emotions experienced in moments of success and failure, the act of reconciling after a disagreement, or the expression of gratitude and love, these idioms remind us of the universal aspects of the human experience.

"kiss and cry" is an idiom that captures the intense emotions experienced in moments of success and failure, especially in the world of figure skating. It originated in the mid-20th century and gained popularity through televised figure skating competitions. The idiom represents a dichotomy of emotions, highlighting the vulnerability and human aspect of performance. It serves as a reminder that success and failure are intertwined and that even the most accomplished individuals can experience the rollercoaster of emotions. The related idioms, "kiss and make up" and "throw a kiss", further explore themes of affection and connection. Together, they remind us of the power of emotions and gestures in our everyday lives.

Know an earlier use or a better origin story?Tell us.