Hugger

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈhʌɡɚ/

Definitions

1. A person who embraces or holds someone tightly in their arms to show affection or greeting
2. An individual known for expressing warmth and friendliness by wrapping their arms around others
3. Someone who gives physical displays of care and comfort by pulling others close in an embrace

Etymology: The ending does most of the work here. "Hugger" is simply "hug" with the suffix "-er" attached, and that suffix has two strands behind it. Old English had its own "-ere" for forming names of people who perform an action, and a Latin suffix "-arius" passed through Old French "-ier" and reached Middle English as "-er." The two merged into one ending, which is why so many English words for doers, such as "baker" and "singer," share it. The base, "hug," is a verb meaning to squeeze someone close in the arms. Its ultimate origin is uncertain.