public display of affection

public display of affection

A physical act of intimacy between a romantic couple done in the view of others. Often shortened to the abbreviation "PDA." I really wish you didn't have such a hang-up over public displays of affection—no one cares if we have a quick kiss out in the open! When we go out, my girlfriend is always trying to hold my hand or kiss me, even though she knows that any public display of affection makes me uncomfortable. I don't mind PDAs in general, but teenagers take it way too far.
See also: display, of, public
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • BTDT
  • short for
  • short for (something)
  • bo
  • AIIC
  • FOMO
  • shwoman
  • FBO
  • TMI
  • abbreviate
References in periodicals archive
The two continued to indulge in some public display of affection as they waited for the elevator.
Niall Horan, Hailee Steinfeld make romance public
Some political factions claim that public display of affection is condemned in the Indian culture and by law ( under Section 294 of the Indian Penal Code).
Kiss of Love protests defy moral policing
The two weren't shy in displaying affection publically and were spotted kissing at a Swiss ski resort, with one witness branding the public display of affection "aggressive".
Pippa Middleton Ready to Settle Down: Kate Middleton's Sister 'Smitten' with Nico Jackson
The public display of affection was made all the more embarrassing by the fact that Becks's mum and sister were sitting next to the couple.
VICTORIA IT'S HIM PECK-; the Razz
The public display of affection drew an outcry among Hindu hardliners, with rallies against the actors in several cities.
Gere judge moved; INTERNATIONAL INDIA
We got in trouble for holding hands because it is a "public display of affection," yet none of the straight kids get in trouble for this.
Coping in Mississippi
Rumours of the two indulging in Public Display of Affection (PDA) are quite adrift, even though Zayn denies it.
Zayn Malik, Gigi Hadid might still be a couple
The model and the singer were also seen last month at Poppy nightclub's Coachella pop-up during weekend one of the desert festival where they put on a public display of affection.
Bella Hadid and The Weeknd spotted together at Cannes
DEEPIKA Padukone indulged in some public display of affection on Monday.
PDA adds humour to ' Finding Fanny' bash
The public display of affection comes just a year after Perry officially filed for divorce from her now ex-husband, Russell Brand.
Katy Perry Brings John Mayer Home For Christmas, Refers To Singer As 'Santa Baby' [PHOTO]
But here the actor, who has starred in Hollyoaks and The Bill, is snapped in a steamy reallife embrace with long-term girlfriend Natasha in a very public display of affection.
Only way is Marbs for Enders' Gary
The couple put on a very public display of affection this week at a sell-out gig by R&B Confessions singer Usher.
Coleen a bit closer baby
After so many scandals, you could be forgiven for thinking Shieldinch people are just unshockable - but the sight of Kelly Marie and Michael in a public display of affection is too much for some of the locals.
Soap stories: Talk of the town; RIVER CITY TUESDAY, BBC1, 8pm
I do not believe that "access" to the Bush White House will mean a heck of a lot more than access did in the Clinton White House--a public display of affection that masks the private deprivation of civil rights (in Bush's case, failure to support nondiscrimination laws; upholding of immigration barriers).
Watching the watchers. (last word)
Posh Spice Victoria Adams made a full public display of affection towards her fiancee footballer David Beckham yesterday despite reports about his secret dates with a Page Three model.
Beckham Posh Spice goal