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Clingy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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clingy

[ˈklɪŋi ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

in relationships

Having a strong emotional attachment or dependence on someone, often to an excessive or suffocating degree.

Synonyms

dependent, needy, overbearing, possessive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
clingy

Used to describe someone who consistently seeks attention and closeness from others. It often has a slightly negative connotation, implying neediness.

  • She became very clingy after the breakup, constantly calling and texting her friends
dependent

This word refers to someone who relies heavily on others for support and decision-making. It can be used in both neutral and slightly negative contexts.

  • John is quite dependent on his parents for financial support, even though he has a job
needy

Used to describe someone who requires a lot of emotional support and reassurance. This term often carries a negative connotation.

  • Her boyfriend is so needy; he needs constant validation from her
overbearing

This word describes someone who exerts excessive control or influence over others. It has a very negative connotation.

  • His overbearing personality makes it hard for others to express their opinions
possessive

Describes someone who wants to have control or ownership over someone else, often in a romantic context. It has a negative connotation.

  • Her possessive nature drove him away; he needed more freedom

Examples of usage

  • She became very clingy after they started dating, always wanting to be together.
  • He found her clingy behavior overwhelming and suffocating.
  • I don't mind a little bit of clinginess, but it can be too much sometimes.
  • Her clingy nature made it difficult for him to have space and time for himself.
  • The clingy behavior started to take a toll on their relationship.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Attachment theory suggests that people can develop clingy behaviors due to early relationships with caregivers.
  • Clinginess might stem from insecurities or fears of losing someone important, making people seek constant reassurance.
  • Some individuals may use clingy behavior as a way to cope with anxiety or loneliness in relationships.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and TV shows, clingy characters often provide comedic relief or illustrate the challenges of close relationships.
  • Songs frequently explore themes of clinginess in love, showing how it can lead to both affection and frustration.
  • Social media has made it easier for people to express clingy behavior, such as wanting to be liked or acknowledged constantly.

Interpersonal Dynamics

  • Clingy behavior can sometimes push people away, impacting friendships or romantic relationships negatively.
  • Healthy boundaries are crucial in relationships to avoid one person feeling overwhelmed or suffocated by clinginess.
  • Recognizing the difference between healthy attachment and clinginess is important for maintaining trust and respect.

Literature

  • In classic literature, characters that exhibit clingy traits often symbolize dependency, leading to rich but complicated narratives.
  • Modern novels sometimes explore the balance between healthy affection and the pitfalls of clingy behavior through relatable character arcs.
  • Poets often illustrate the emotional intensity of clinginess, showcasing love's complexities and vulnerabilities.

Origin of 'clingy'

The word 'clingy' originated from the verb 'cling,' which dates back to the 12th century. The Old English word 'clengan' means 'to stick together' or 'to adhere closely.' Over time, 'clingy' evolved to describe a person who sticks or clings to someone or something, especially in a relationship context. The term gained popularity in the late 20th century as a colloquial way to describe behavior characterized by excessive emotional attachment or dependency.

See also: cling, clinginess, clinging.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,990, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.