Is 'Eskimo Kisses' A Slur? The Controversial History And The Respectful Term You Should Use

As of December 2025, the phrase "Eskimo kiss" is widely considered problematic and disrespectful by many Indigenous groups, particularly the Inuit people, whose traditional gesture it attempts to describe. The controversy stems directly from the word "Eskimo" itself, which is an outdated and often derogatory term with a complex, colonial history.

The core issue is one of cultural respect and accurate terminology. While the gesture—a gentle rubbing of noses—is a genuine and beautiful sign of affection or greeting, the Westernized name for it is rooted in an exonym that Indigenous communities have worked hard to shed. Understanding the history of the word "Eskimo" is the first step toward adopting the correct and respectful term: Kunik.

The Troubling History of the Word 'Eskimo'

To understand why "Eskimo kiss" is problematic, one must first examine the term "Eskimo." It is not a word the Indigenous peoples of the Arctic chose for themselves; it is an exonym, a name given to a group of people by an outside group. This term has been used historically by non-native colonizers, and its widespread use is a legacy of that colonial past.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

Is 'Eskimo' a Derogatory Term?

For many, particularly the Inuit of Canada and Greenland, the answer is a resounding yes. The term is widely considered offensive and a slur because of its historical association with racism and colonization. The preferred and correct term for the people of the Central and Eastern Arctic is Inuit (meaning "the people").

• Etymological Debate: The word "Eskimo" is believed to have originated from an Algonquian language (possibly Cree or Montagnais) and may have meant "eaters of raw meat" or "snowshoe-netters." While its exact original meaning is debated, its modern usage is indelibly linked to a history of disrespect and generalization.
• The Indigenous Preference: The people it refers to—the Inuit, Yupik, and Iñupiat—have their own distinct names. They are not a single, monolithic group. Using the general, non-native term "Eskimo" erases this diversity and ignores their self-identification.
• Geographical Context: The term is especially rejected in Canada and Greenland. In Alaska, the situation is more nuanced; some older generations of Yupik and Iñupiat still use the term, but the general move toward self-determination favors using specific Indigenous terms or the broader term Alaska Native.

Unveiling Kunik: The True Name for the Nose Rub

The affectionate gesture of pressing or rubbing noses is a deeply meaningful cultural practice for the Inuit and other Arctic peoples. The proper, respectful, and authentic term for this gesture is Kunik.

The Kunik is not merely a "kiss" in the Western sense. It is a traditional form of greeting and affection, especially between family members and loved ones. It is often performed by pressing the nose and upper lip against the skin—such as the cheek or forehead—and inhaling, allowing the person to smell and connect with their loved one.

• The Facts Of Life Cast Where Are Eastlands Girls Now 2024 Updates 2tx8p

The Cultural Significance of Kunik

The practice of Kunik evolved out of practical necessity in the harsh Arctic climate. When people are bundled up in protective winter gear—like thick parkas and anoraks—the only exposed parts of the face are the eyes and the nose. A traditional lip-to-lip kiss would expose the mouth to the freezing air, creating a risk of frostbite. The Kunik, therefore, became a way to express intimacy and affection without exposing skin to the elements.

The Kunik is a powerful expression of connection, often involving a gentle inhale to "take in" the scent of the person being greeted. It is a sensory and intimate moment that goes far beyond the casual Western interpretation of an "Eskimo kiss."

How to Adopt Respectful Terminology and Avoid Cultural Appropriation

In the current social climate, there is a strong movement toward decolonization of language—replacing historically harmful or inaccurate terms with those preferred by the communities themselves. For anyone who wishes to be respectful and culturally sensitive, replacing "Eskimo kiss" with the correct terminology is essential.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

Actionable Steps for Respectful Language

The most important step is to stop using the term "Eskimo kiss" entirely. Here are the preferred alternatives:

• Use Kunik: This is the most accurate and respectful term, as it is the endonym (a name a group uses for itself) from the Inuit culture. It acknowledges the tradition's true origin.
• Use "Nose Rub" or "Nose Kiss": For a simple, non-cultural alternative in a casual context, "nose rub" or "nose kiss" is a neutral description of the physical action.
• Educate Others: When you hear someone use the outdated term, gently inform them about the history of the word "Eskimo" and introduce them to the term Kunik. This small act of education helps to shift the common lexicon toward respectful language.

The Difference Between Exonym and Endonym

Understanding these linguistic concepts is key to achieving topical authority on this issue:

Exonym: A name given to a place or a people by an outside group. "Eskimo" is an exonym that carries a colonial and derogatory history.

Endonym: A name a group uses for itself. "Inuit," "Yupik," and "Kunik" are endonyms that reflect self-determination and cultural accuracy. By choosing to use the endonym, you are honoring the identity and culture of the people themselves.

The Broader Impact: Decolonizing Language

The debate over "Eskimo kiss" is part of a much larger global conversation about decolonizing language and retiring terms that were imposed by colonizing powers. This movement is about recognizing that language is not neutral; it can carry the weight of history, prejudice, and power imbalances. By consciously choosing to use terms like Inuit and Kunik, we participate in a broader effort to honor Indigenous sovereignty and promote cultural accuracy.

The people of the Arctic—including the Inuit Nunangat regions of Canada, the Yupik and Iñupiat of Alaska, and the people of Greenland and Siberia—are vibrant, diverse cultures. Their traditions, such as the Kunik, deserve to be recognized with respect and their proper names, not through a generalized, problematic term inherited from a colonial past. Moving forward, let us embrace Kunik as the affectionate, traditional gesture it is, leaving the outdated and offensive "Eskimo kiss" in the history books.