The French kiss, that passionate intertwining of lips and tongues, has been a universal symbol of romance and desire throughout human history. While many associate this intimate gesture with France because of its name, the true origins of this amorous exchange are surprisingly complex and not necessarily French at all.
The Mysterious Origins of the French Kiss
Contrary to popular belief, the French didn’t actually invent the French kiss. The practice of deep kissing has existed across numerous cultures for thousands of years, long before France was even established as a nation. Archaeological evidence suggests that intimate kissing practices date back to ancient civilizations, with depictions found in early Indian texts like the Kama Sutra (written between 400 BCE and 300 CE).
What we do know is that the term “French kiss” gained popularity in English-speaking countries, particularly in America, following World War I. When American soldiers returned home from Europe around 1918, they brought back tales of the supposedly more passionate and open kissing styles they had witnessed in France.
Why “French” Kiss?
The French reputation for being more sexually liberal and passionate compared to the more conservative American and British cultures of the early 20th century led to the association. In 2025, historians analyzing cultural perceptions continue to note that the label had more to do with Anglo-American perceptions of French culture than any actual French invention.
Interestingly, the French themselves didn’t even have a verb for tongue kissing until relatively recently. It wasn’t until 2013 that the French language officially adopted the verb “galocher,” meaning to kiss with tongues, into their dictionary.
Cultural Significance Around the World
What we call a French kiss has different names across cultures. In India, it’s known as a “soul kiss,” while in parts of Africa, it carries significant spiritual meaning beyond romance. Some anthropologists believe that kissing evolved from “kiss feeding,” where mothers would pre-chew food and pass it to their infants mouth-to-mouth—a practice that eventually developed romantic connotations.
The Science Behind the Kiss
From a biological perspective, French kissing serves several evolutionary purposes. The exchange of saliva allows partners to unconsciously assess genetic compatibility through pheromones and immune system markers. During a passionate kiss, our bodies exchange approximately 80 million bacteria, creating a kind of microbial fingerprint that helps determine compatibility.
Additionally, French kissing releases a cocktail of feel-good hormones, including oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin, creating that rush of pleasure and connection we associate with passionate kisses.
While we may never identify a single inventor of the French kiss, what’s clear is that this intimate act transcends cultural boundaries and time periods. It remains one of humanity’s most universal expressions of desire and affection—regardless of what we call it or who we credit with its invention.
