huggable
UK[ˈhʌɡəbl]US[ˈhʌɡəbl]
adj
pleasant and inviting to hug; having a soft, warm, or appealing quality that makes one want to hug them or it.
Morpheme Breakdown
hug
able
hug
able
Etymology
the word 'huggable' is a modern english formation, combining the verb 'hug' with the productive adjectival suffix '-able'. the verb 'hug' itself is of obscure etymology, first appearing in english in the 1560s, and is thought to possibly derive from old norse, relating to concepts of comfort and consolation. the suffix '-able', with its roots in latin, conveys the meaning of 'worthy of' or 'inclined to'. therefore, the literal construction 'huggable' logically means 'worthy of being hugged' or 'inclined to be hugged', perfectly capturing its modern sense of describing someone or something that appears soft, warm, and inviting to embrace.
Analysis
Structure: hug + able
hug (verb): of uncertain origin, likely from old norse hugga meaning 'to comfort, soothe'.
able (suffix): from latin -abilis, forming adjectives meaning 'capable of, fit for, or worthy of'.
Examples
the puppy was so fluffy and huggable.
she wore a big, huggable sweater on the cold evening.
the toy was designed to be soft and huggable for children.