What does clingy means Meaning and Definition
What does clingy means
Pronunciation
/ˈkliŋi/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
A person who is overly attached to someone, often excessively demanding or dependent on their partner’s attention and affection.
Examples
- She became clingy after the breakup and couldn’t bear to be apart from him.
- He started to feel suffocated by her clingy behavior and needed some space.
Synonyms
- Neurotic
- Dependent
- Overbearing
Antonyms
- Independent
- Confident
- Restrained
Etymology
The word “clingy” originates from the Old English word “clingan”, meaning “to stick” or “to adhere”, and has been used to describe the behavior of someone who is overly attached since the 14th century.
Usage Notes
When describing someone as clingy, it’s essential to consider the context and consider if the behavior is a result of emotional distress or a deeper issue.
Cultural References
The term “clingy” has been used in popular culture to describe various characters, including TV show characters, movie characters, and even politicians.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “You’re being clingy, take a step back” – a phrase used to encourage someone to give the other partner space
Related Words or Phrases
- Attachment
- Dependence
- Neurosis
Collocations
- clingy behavior
- clingy partner
Frequency of Use
The term “clingy” is commonly used in modern language, particularly in the context of relationships and emotional interactions.
Common Misspellings
- clingle
- clingie