Credits: Social Media
The real Eskimo kiss is nothing like Hollywood has led you to believe
Two Inuit women revealed the real Eskimo kiss, and shockingly, its nothing like pop culture and Hollywood have led you to believe.
TikTok might be ridiculous and bustling with silly videos like the calico hair trend, but there is a clear power in sharing often overlooked perspectives and insight. A recent example could be a gastroenterologists take on probiotics.�
What is an Eskimo kiss?
Eskimo is often used as a blanket term to describe groups of Indigenous people native to areas like Siberia, Alaska, Greenland, and areas of Canada. In recent years, the term Eskimo has been described as derogatory by some native communities as they argue that it ignores the cultural differences between various Inuit groups.
The term Eskimo also involves images of the Eskimo kiss, which is often used in pop culture and social media. But as it turns out, the Eskimo kiss is quite different from what you think it is.
Shina Nova (@Shinanova) is a well-known Inuk who uses her enormous TikTok platform to dispel misinformation and offer insight into the modern-day lives of the Inuit people.�
In a video in 2021, which over the years has amassed 34 million views, Shina was joined by throat singer Kayuula Nova (@kayuulanova).�
The first demonstrated the false Eskimo kiss, which you might recognize as the rubbing of two noses together.
But we wanted to show you the real Inuit kiss called Kunik, Shina said. Usually its done with a lot of emotion.
Kayuula gripped Shinas face, smothering her nose into her cheek as both of the women smiled. As you see, its quite different to Hollywoods version.
The more love you have for a person, the stronger you do it, Shina added.
A lot of people were concerned with calling it an Eskimo kiss
In Shinas comment section, many non-Inuit people questioned whether its insensitive to continue calling the act an Eskimo kiss.
Sincere question, is it okay to call the two noses kiss an Eskimo kiss? If not, any recommendations on what to call it? one person questioned, as another echoed, Genuine question, is it okay for us to call it Eskimo kiss? I grew up calling it that but obviously, we are more conscious of inappropriate terms now.
The term Eskimo, and indeed Eskimo kiss, is widely considered outdated and outright offensive, after all, it was originally invented by Western colonialists. Should the need arise, its best to refer to the act by its actual name.
Other comments said they had similar acts in their cultures, as one person explained: So beautiful, you kiss the same way in Thailand. My mother used to “sniff” me like this, but she passed away about a year ago. I miss her every day.
We do that on the island of Guam and the way you explained it is exactly how we do it, another said.
