いちゃいちゃ

いちゃいちゃ
adverb
flirting; being lovey-dovey
1. flirting, being lovey-dovey
Describes a couple engaging in openly affectionate behavior such as touching, whispering, or being physically close in a way that is noticeable to others.
いちゃいちゃしないで。
Stop flirting.
あの二人(ふたり)はいつもいちゃいちゃしている。
Those two are always being lovey-dovey.
人前(ひとまえ)でいちゃいちゃするのはやめてほしい。
I wish they'd stop flirting in public.

Mimetic word (擬態語(ぎたいご)). Almost always used with する: いちゃいちゃする.

Often carries a mildly negative or teasing nuance — the speaker finds the couple's behavior embarrassing or excessive. Can also be used playfully between friends.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • いちゃいちゃする — to flirt, to be lovey-dovey
  • 人前(ひとまえ)でいちゃいちゃする — to flirt in public
  • いちゃいちゃカップル — lovey-dovey couple