Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| hacer arrumacos | /aθeɾ arumakos/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /aseɾ arumakos/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
| acorrucarse | /akorukaɾse/ (from spelling rules) |
| apurruñarse | /apuruɲaɾse/ (from spelling rules) |
| entrepiernarse | /entɾepjeɾnaɾse/ (from spelling rules) |
Spanish uses different expressions depending on whether you are describing the physical act of curling up or the emotional act of showing affection. You can use hacer arrumacos to describe showing affection through physical touch or 'babying' someone. For the physical act of curling up or snuggling into a small space or against someone, use acorrucarse. The term Apapacho also conveys tender and loving cuddling gestures.
Which one should you use?
hacer arrumacos is an idiomatic way to describe the act of making cuddly gestures or showing affection, whereas acorrucarse focuses on the physical position of curling up or snuggling. apurruñarse is used specifically to describe the act of huddling or curling up.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
apurruñarse is a more colloquial or informal way to describe curling up or huddling.
Is it said differently in some regions?
apurruñarse is often used in certain Latin American dialects.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb acorrucarse is reflexive, which means you must use reflexive pronouns (me, te, se, nos, os, se) when conjugating it.
When do people say it?
The concept of cuddling can involve mimos, which refers to cuddles, caresses and sweet words. The term Apapacho is used to convey specifically tender and loving cuddling gestures.
Did you know?
- The Spanish word for 'cuddles' or 'caresses', mimos, is the root for the adjective 'mimado', which describes a spoiled child.
- If you are describing a very small or cramped space, you might use apurruñarse, which shares a linguistic connection to the idea of 'crumpling' something up.
- In many Latin American countries, apurruñarse is a common colloquial way to describe huddling, whereas in Spain it might feel less natural or even archaic.
Examples in context
- Me gusta abrazarteI like to cuddle you
- Dame un abrazoGive me a cuddle
- Me gusta acariciarteI like to cuddle/caress you
- Te daré una cariciaI will give you a cuddle/caress
- Te daré un apapachoI will give you a cuddle
- Necesito tus mimosI need your cuddles
- Nos encanta hacer arrumacos en el sofá.We love to cuddle on the sofa.
- No quiero hacer arrumacos hoy porque tengo calor.I don't want to cuddle today because I'm hot.
Example conversation
Javier and María are relaxing at home on a rainy evening.
- Javier¿Quieres hacer arrumacos conmigo, María?Do you want to cuddle with me, María?
- MaríaSí, me parece un plan perfecto, Javier.Yes, that sounds like a perfect plan, Javier.
- JavierTraeré una manta para que estemos cómodos.I will bring a blanket so we are comfortable.
- MaríaGracias, eres muy cariñoso.Thank you, you are very affectionate.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cuddle” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
