Why Is It Called A Crush?

Have you ever been in a situation where you see a person you like and suddenly you feel something so real, so strong and so very confusing, that you can’t help but wonder: why do we call it a ‘crush’? We have all experienced the feeling at least once in our lives and yet, for many, the concept of a ‘crush’ remains elusive, mysterious, and difficult to explain.

In this article, we are going to explore the origin of this term, consider its implications in our culture, and discuss its importance today. So let’s dive in, and discover why do we call it a ‘crush’.

Why Is it Called a Crush?

We’ve all felt it at one point in our life or another, butterflies in the stomach when someone talks to us, that intense flutter of emotion when we think about our crush and the ever-present blushing when we see them unexpectedly.

So why do we call it a crush?

What is a Crush?

A crush is an intense feeling of admiration for another person which usually occurs in early adolescence after puberty.

These feelings can be towards any person, be it someone of the opposite or same sex. While it is often associated with romantic feelings, a person can also have crushes on friends, classmates or even famous people.

History of the Word “Crush”

The word “crush” was first used in its current sense in the 1800s according to the Oxford English Dictionary.

The word is derived from the Old English word “cros” which means to crunch, or to press to bits. People commonly use this word to describe the feeling of intense pressure between two people and the idea that something, such as emotions, can be “crushed”, which means to press down or flatten.

An Evolution: From Meaning as a Verb to Meaning as a Noun

Originally the term was used as a verb to describe touching someone with a crushing sensation. However, over the course of the 19th century and early 20th century, the definition of crush changed to reflect the intense feelings of admiration for someone.

The noun “crush” soon became widely used to refer to the intense feelings of admiration for a person.

The Problem with the Term “Crush”

The term “crush” has been used more often as of late, to refer to the type of intense attraction or obsession one may have for someone else. Many argue that this is a problematic and potentially harmful definition, as it can set up unrealistic and unhealthy expectations when it comes to relationships and can even lead to the idea of romanticising unhealthy behaviours and attitudes.

Conclusion

The term “crush” has been used often to describe the intense feelings of admiration which often occur in early adolescence and in the contemporary world. It comes from an old English word which means to press or crunch and has evolved over the centuries to refer to the intense admiration for someone. While this term is used often, it can lead to unrealistic expectations about relationships and can be harmful if taken too far. Citation URL:https://www. oxfordreference. com/view/1093/oi/authority. 20110803100122330https://www. edgewaterlounge. co/why-is-it-called-a-crush/