What Is Basorexia? Kissing Urges, Explained

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A full breakdown of "basorexia" and whether or not you have it

Co-authored by Annabelle Reyes Reviewed by John Keegan

Last Updated: March 5, 2026 Fact Checked

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Definition & Origins

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Why “Basorexia” Happens

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Is “basorexia” a psychological disorder?

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Coping with Basorexia

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Cultural Contexts

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Related Terms

Most people know what it's like to want to kiss or be kissed by another person. But did you know there’s actually a term for this feeling? If you’re interested in learning more about this, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve compiled a complete guide on the word “basorexia,” otherwise known as a strong urge to kiss. Keep reading for everything you need to know!

What exactly is “basorexia?”

“Basorexia” is an intense desire for kissing. It can manifest as a simple urge to kiss a romantic partner, daydreaming about kissing, or constantly seeking out opportunities to engage in kissing. Basorexia may be related to a psychological desire for closeness and emotional connection.

Section 1 of 6:

“Basorexia” Definition & Origins

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This complex emotion can manifest in many ways, including a general desire to kiss, daydreaming about kissing, or seeking out opportunities to kiss others. In some cases, the feeling can be more intense, causing people to have a huge craving for kissing, or to think about it to an obsessive degree. If you're feeling this way: don't stress. It's totally normal!^{[1]
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Basorexia (bay-soh-rehk-see-uh) is a noun. It comes from the Latin “basium” which means to kiss, and the Greek “orexis,” meaning desire or appetite.^{[2]
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Research source} It may also be a spin on the French word “un baiser, which means “a kiss.”^{[3]
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Research source} The term isn’t included in major dictionaries, which means it’s likely a neologism (a newly coined word).

Section 2 of 6:

Why do people experience basorexia?

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The desire for kissing is totally natural and normal. Throughout history, people of all cultures and backgrounds have engaged in kissing to express affection, fulfill romantic desire, and feel emotionally connected to others.^{[4]
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Research source}There are also biological reasons people desire kissing—it releases mood-boosting endorphins like oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine, and it lowers the stress hormone cortisol.^{[5]
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- In other words, kissing makes you feel good and it satisfies a deep human need to be close to others, which could be the driving force behind basorexia.
- And basorexia is a super common experience and feeling. Most people have probably felt something similar to this at some point in their lives.

Section 3 of 6:

Is “basorexia” a psychological disorder?

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No, “basorexia” isn't a psychological disorder. Basorexia is not a clinical disorder, and a desire for kissing is a normal emotion that many people experience.^{[6]
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Research source} However, some people have speculated that intense basorexia could be a coping mechanism for stress or anxiety, since kissing releases hormones that improve your mood. Others have suggested it could be a way to make up for unmet emotional needs, since kissing increases feelings of connection and intimacy with others.^{[7]
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- It's important to recognize that just because you have a big desire to kiss or be kissed, that doesn't mean that that will happen. Consent is an absolute must, and so while you should definitely feel free to put yourself out there and see if you can connect with someone via kissing, there's always a chance that you'll end up having to cope with the desire internally on your own. The feelings of basorexia are 100% natural and nothing to feel ashamed of, but at the same time, your feelings are your own responsibility at the end of the day.

Section 4 of 6:

How to Cope with Basorexia

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If you’re single, focus on reducing stress and distracting yourself. If you’ve been having obsessive thoughts about kissing, you might want to try out some techniques that combat maladaptive daydreaming or rumination. Maladaptive daydreaming, rumination, and basorexia are all different things, but since they involve excessive fantasizing and/or unwanted thoughts, they may respond to similar coping techniques.^{[8]
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Harvard Medical School
Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public

Go to source} Here are some suggestions:
- Ground yourself in the present. When you catch yourself daydreaming or thinking about kissing, try to bring your focus back to the present. Deep breathing exercises or mindful meditation can be helpful tools for this.
- Do an activity to distract yourself. Getting up and doing something active, going to hang out with friends, or participating in a fun hobby can all help you break the cycle when you start obsessing about kissing.^{[9]
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- Try to reduce stress as much as you can. When you’re less stressed, you may be less likely to deal with obsessive thoughts or excessive daydreaming.^{[10]
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  Harvard Medical School
  Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public
  
  Go to source} Getting enough sleep, spending time out in nature, and leaning on your support network can help.
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If you're in a relationship, explore other forms of affection and communication. Since basorexia isn’t a psychological disorder, there aren’t necessarily any actions you need to take to address it. However, if you feel like your desire for kissing is excessive, engaging in other forms of physical affection may help satisfy that urge. This could include things like hand holding, hugging, or snuggling.^{[11]
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Research source} Talking to your romantic partner and getting on the same page about your desires can also help.

Section 5 of 6:

“Basorexia” Cultural Contexts

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Cultural norms about kissing can also affect basorexia. Some cultures have more conservative ideas about kissing, reserving the action for romantic partners. Other cultures are more open about kissing and even use it as a form of friendly greeting. In Spain, Italy, and France, for example, it’s seen as normal and expected to kiss someone on both cheeks to say “hello.”^{[12]
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- Although there isn’t definitive research on this, it’s possible that living in a culture where kissing is more restricted could lead to a more intense desire to experience it, which could also bring some feelings of guilt or shame.^{[13]
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Section 6 of 6:

Related Terms

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There are several words out there that describe complex feelings. Here are a few interesting ones you might not have come across before:
- Saudade: The feeling of deep, melancholic longing for a person or thing that’s far away; from Portuguese folk culture.^{[14]
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- Malu: The feeling of being shy and flustered when meeting someone you admire; from the Dusun Baguk people of Indonesia.
- Matutolypea: The feeling of waking up in a bad mood or waking up on the wrong side of the bed.
- Awumbuk: The feeling of emptiness or sorrow you get after guests leave your home; from the Baining people of Papua New Guinea.
- Litost: A Czech term describing the feeling of torment, resentment, and shame one has when they realize someone else has made them wretched.
- Torschlusspanik: A German term for the anxious, agitated feeling people get when they feel like time is running out.
- The Collywobbles: An English word describing a feeling of unease, anxiety, or nervousness in the pit of the stomach.^{[15]
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- Toska: A Russian word describing the feeling of longing with nothing to long for. Author Vladimir Nabokov described it as a “dull anguish” and a “gnawing mental ache.”^{[16]
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