Christian Hug

Noun. A hug from a member of the church clergy or staff to a member of the congregation in a manner that intentionally maintains distance from any private parts or unwanted contact.

Used especially by responsible adult leaders of youth programs where contact must be strictly controlled, so the leadership runs little to no risk of being branded a priest.

A form of greeting promoted by some Christian groups in which two parties hug by wrapping one arm around the shoulder of the other person, as if posing for a photo, rather than the traditional "front hug," or wrapping both arms around the shoulders or waist from the front. The motivation behind the side hug is that frontal hugs allow the two parties' crotches to touch, apparently emulating sexual activity.

While the Christian side hug has been promoted for a few decades, it came to the attention of the Internet with a much-ridiculed Youtube video posted in November 2009, in which a Christian rap group attending the 2009 Encounter Generation Conference, a Christian youth conference, performed a rap song explaining the merits of the side hug. The video's unintentionally humorous message, lyrics, and the behavior of the performers (including mock gunfire and police sirens contradicting the Christian message of the song) made it an Internet sensation, much to the embarrassment of Christians.

Debate ensued over how serious the song was intended to be. The writer and lead singer explained that the song was meant to parody overly protective Christian ideas. However, both the lyrics and the EG Conference's website clearly state that anyone caught "front hugging" will be removed from the event, calling this claim into question. Regardless, the video has already become extremely popular on Youtube and has spawned several spoofs.

2nd base for a christian

An evangelical non-greeting in which both parties express their mutual disdain for their bodies and the God who created them.

To engage in anal sex while spooning in order to maintain one's virginity.

To intentionally screw someone over.

Yes, God wants us to be compassionate and kind and tender with each other. Not only that, but he wants us to love our enemies and serve our neighbors. As long as there is no body on body action. I’m talking of course about a “full frontal hug,” one of those sinful abominations where you just wrap your arms around a friend and embrace them. That’s why Christians the world over have pioneered the “side hug.” In the side hug there’s no risk of two crotches touching. Instead of face to face, you go side to side, putting your arm around the person and your hip against their’s. Still having a hard time mastering it? Pretend you’re taking a photo and you’re both looking at the camera together. The side hug, or A frame as it is also called, is safe for the whole family, friendly and above all holy. I don’t know the exact scripture reference but try the book of Psalms. That book is huge.