How to Perform an Eskimo (Inuit) Kiss, or “Kunik”

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Learn how to do this sweet Inuit greeting

Reviewed by John Keegan

Last Updated: April 9, 2024

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Eskimo Kissing

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Greeting With a Kunik

The myth of the Eskimo kiss states that this kissing style evolved so that the Inuit people in cold climates could kiss without their lips freezing together. In reality, the Eskimo kiss--called a kunik--is a way to greet and show affection to family and loved ones who, when met, often have only their eyes and nose exposed. Learn to do the Eskimo kiss and the kunik to share a sweet moment with someone you love.

Things You Should Know

Get close enough to your partner so that your noses can touch. Then, with your eyes open or closed, touch the tip of your nose to the tip of your partner’s nose.
Gently shake your heads from side to side a few times as if you were gesturing “No” while rubbing noses.
Use an Eskimo kiss, or “kunik,” to greet or show affection.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Eskimo Kissing

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You will need to be very close so that your faces can touch. This is a fun way to show affection if you are already close to one another, like if you are cuddling on the couch or holding each other close.
Touch the tip of your nose to the tip of your partner's nose. You can leave your eyes open or closed; do whichever feels more comfortable.

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Shake your head from side to side as if you're saying "No." Go back and forth a few times as you rub noses - that's an Eskimo kiss!
- If you're feeling very affectionate and cuddly, move forward and nuzzle your nose into your partner's cheek.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Greeting With a Kunik

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1
Approach your partner. A kunik is an affectionate greeting between people who know each other intimately, such as family members or romantic partners. It's not done instead of kissing, and in fact is not meant to be romantic at all. In some cultures, it is only done between mothers and children.^{[1]
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Research source}
- You will need to stand very close to your partner. If you are a mother sharing a kunik with your child, you may want to pick him or her up or squat down to his or her level.
The nose, cheeks, and forehead are all common spots to nuzzle.^{[2]
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Research source} Imagine you partner is wrapped up tight against the cold, probably wearing a hood and a scarf. You would rub your nose over the skin that is still exposed and not bundled up.
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Inhale, suctioning your partner's skin against your nose and upper lip.^{[3]
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Research source} Rediscovering your loved one's smell is an intimate, loving way to reconnect and strengthen your bond.
- It is possible this type of greeting dates back to when language was not very evolved, and we relied more on our senses--like smell--to identify, communicate, and connect with others.^{[4]
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Tips

Don't put your heads too close together as it could end up hurting.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Although the kunik is popularly known as an “eskimo” kiss, eskimo is actually a slur, and should be avoided. Never use this word to describe an Inuit person.
Take off your glasses if you're wearing them. It gets in the way of intimacy.

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Warnings

Be aware that the term "Eskimo kiss" can be considered offensive. The word "Eskimo" is a label applied to Inuit people by outsiders, and can carry derogatory connotations.

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Most Alaskans accept the name "Eskimo," but most people in Canada or Greenland prefer "Inuit," which means "people."

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