Why is it called a French kiss?

Human beings indulge in a range of affectionate behaviors, including hugging, kissing, handshakes and high-fives. But one of the most curious of couplings is the so-called "French kiss," where the tongues of two people make contact, presumably for the purpose of sexual stimulation. read more

A French kiss is a deep type of kiss that involves the participant’s tongue touching their partner’s lips or tongue, as they enter their mouths. It is a slow and passionate way of kissing and is considered to be romantic, intimate, erotic and sexual. read more

So, while the French were clearly not the first people to engage in French kissing, it seems fair that they are given credit for it due to the amorous enthusiasms of French lovers a century ago. Interestingly, the French had no specific word for its famous export until very recently. read more

A French kiss is so-called because at the beginning of the 20th century the French had a reputation for more adventurous and passionate sex practices. In France, it is referred to as baiser amoureux ("lover's kiss") or baiser avec la langue ("kiss with the tongue"), even if in past times it was also known as baiser florentin ("Florentine kiss"). read more