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1. Welsh word for an affectionate hug. There’s no literal English translation, but its nearest equivlent is “safe place“. So if you give someone a cwtch, you’re giving them a “safe place”. It can also be used as a place to store things safely (usually a cupboard under a staircase)
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2. Snuggling and cuddling and loving and protecting and safeguarding and claiming, all rolled into one. There is an element of intimacy, earnestness and ownership in this Welsh word (recently adopted into the OED) that the closest English equivalents, “cuddle”, “snuggle” and “hug” lack. A cwtch creates a private safe place in a room or in two peoples hearts. Cwtching is strong affection made manifest and can apply to lovers, or a parent and child. It is also possible to give a respected associate a non-romantic cwtch. In that scenario, a cwtch would be a heartfelt hug.
A much loved and much used local word having a number of uses:
(a) The coal cwtch, or the cwtch under the stairs/cwtch dan star – a storage place: derived from the Welsh ‘cwt’.
(b) To keep concealed; “Keep that cwtched by there now – don’t want anybody to see it…"
(c) Lie down, as in the order to a dog – “Go (and find your) cwtch!”
(d) To be fondled and snuggled up in an especially loving way “Cwtch up to your mam now”. A child nursed “Welsh fashion is well and truly being ‘cwtched’
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The room I craft in is my cwtch, it’s my sanctuary at home where I keep my ‘special’ things, and is also where I cwtch up to my children for quiet time.
Oh, and it rhymes with 'butch'!
