In the Yucatán Peninsula, where heat prevails for much of the year, winter brings with it a very particular phenomenon: the chill, a feeling of cold intensified by the humidity. In this context, one of the most endearing expressions of the local culture emerges: “hacerse loch,” which means to hug or snuggle together to share body heat.
According to chroniclers and local media, the phrase is common in towns and cities of Yucatán, Campeche, and Quintana Roo, where during the cold early mornings you might hear: “This cold is perfect for making loch.” The practice is not only a physical gesture but also a symbol of solidarity and community closeness, passed down from generation to generation.
The Yucatecan chill, which can register temperatures between 10 and 14 degrees Celsius (50 and 57 degrees Fahrenheit), feels more intense due to the humidity, causing residents to seek refuge in blankets, around fires, and, above all, in human warmth. In this sense, “hacerse loch” becomes a cultural way of coping with the weather, reinforcing the idea that the cold is best combated in company.
Beyond its literal meaning, the expression has transcended its literal meaning as part of Yucatecan humor, appearing in everyday conversations, on social media, and even in cultural campaigns that seek to preserve the use of Mayan words in regional Spanish.
For many, the cold is a reason to “hacer loch,” so it’s very common to hear it. It refers to giving someone a hug, or having one, depending on how it’s used.
Ways to use it:
Come on, let’s do a hug!
I’m cold, give me a hug!
Shall I give you a hug?
He came and gave me a hug!
Source: poresto
