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.
あの二人はいつもいちゃいちゃしている。
Those two are always being lovey-dovey.
人前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) describing openly affectionate behavior between a couple — touching, whispering, clinging, etc. Almost always used with する.
NUANCE:
Often carries a mildly negative or teasing tone from the observer's perspective. The speaker typically finds the behavior embarrassing, excessive, or annoying. Can also be used playfully between friends.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- いちゃいちゃする: to flirt, to be lovey-dovey
- 人前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
- いちゃいちゃしないで: stop being so lovey-dovey
SIMILAR WORDS:
- ラブラブ: lovey-dovey (positive, used by the couple themselves)
- べたべた: clingy, sticky (more negative, emphasizes physical closeness)
- いちゃつく: to flirt (verb form, slightly more negative)
REGISTER:
Informal/casual. Common in everyday speech, manga, and TV. Not used in formal writing.