What's a noogie between friends? No, really. . .

[sweetonsno]

So I regularly attend an event weekly and am friends with several of the other regulars. Most people who come in are in the 40+ range, but a few of us are younger (30's). Recently, a younger guy has been coming in with his friends. We're friendly and we always greet one another with a hug (upon arrival and parting).

But today, he (mid-20's) gave me a (gentle) noogie when he walked past. I'm a bit baffled at this turn of events. I did not grow up in a noogie-giving family or neighborhood, so I don't really know the Law of the Noogie. Basically, is there noogie etiquette? Why was I noogied and what was the appropriate/desired response?

Enlighten me, eHellions, if you please.

[RingTailedLemur]

I had to look up what a "noogie" was.

It sounds painful and I would have told him to back off and never touch me again, as I really hate things like that.

It depends whether you minded/it hurt you or not.

[blue2000]

In my experience, a gentle noogie (not the one that causes pain) is done among close friends/siblings/etc. as a silly way of saying hello. Kind of like fist bumps and hand signs (or pigtail-tugging for the younger set). Some people might noogie him back or simply laugh and shrug it off.

If you don't want this, ducking away from him or pushing his hand away would be the first option. If he doesn't clue in that you are not a 'noogie' kind of gal, a friendly "Hey Bud, cut that out!" might work.

If he can't take no for an answer, that's another problem entirely.

[Piratelvr1121]

In my family it was always a playful show of affection, like tickling.  One of my dad's cousins did it to everyone and thus was dubbed "The Noogie Man" and when he'd show up my cousins and I would squeal "The Noogie Man!" and run, inviting him to give chase. 

It never hurt, and was just fun, but I wouldn't appreciate a noogie that did hurt.

[LeveeWoman]

I give noogies to my son but they're soft and mainly involve mussing his hair a bit.
But, I would never give one to someone with whom I was not a close friend.

[Hmmmmm]

My experience is a gentle boogie is a sign of affection and would indicate he felt very comfortable around you.  If you don't like it, duck away and say with a smile Don't.

[MrTango]

OP: Is he single?

If so, I'd consider the possibility that he's interested in you and that the noogie (as opposed to the usual hug) might be his way of "testing the water" to see how you respond.

[Shoo]

OP: Is he single?

If so, I'd consider the possibility that he's interested in you and that the noogie (as opposed to the usual hug) might be his way of "testing the water" to see how you respond.

This is what I was thinking too.  A gentle noogie from a guy to a girl seems kinda flirtatious to me.  Is he cute? 

[Xandraea]

OP: Is he single?

If so, I'd consider the possibility that he's interested in you and that the noogie (as opposed to the usual hug) might be his way of "testing the water" to see how you respond.

This is what I was thinking too.  A gentle noogie from a guy to a girl seems kinda flirtatious to me.  Is he cute? 

I'm with MrTango and Shoo .. sounds like the guy may be interested in you.

[O'Dell]

You'll know for sure if he likes you when he slugs you in the arm at recess.

I agree with others...a gentle noogie shows affection.

[doodlemor]

You'll know for sure if he likes you when he slugs you in the arm at recess.

I agree with others...a gentle noogie shows affection.

You really made me laugh, O'Dell! 

POD to you and the others.

[DavidH]

I would say it's meant to be friendly and likely flirty.  If it bothers you, I'd approach it as I know you meant no harm, but that bothered me, please don't do it again. 

[Coley]

POD to the PPs who suggest it's flirtatious behavior. That was my first thought as well.

[magician5]

Basically, is there noogie etiquette? Why was I noogied and what was the appropriate/desired response?

Enlighten me, eHellions, if you please.

I feel like asking what actually is your response? I mean your honest, first-reaction unvarnished response?

It is probably meant in a friendly "buddies" way, but if you don't like it, simply ask that it not happen anymore.

[floridamom]

OP: Is he single?

If so, I'd consider the possibility that he's interested in you and that the noogie (as opposed to the usual hug) might be his way of "testing the water" to see how you respond.

I'm thinking the same thing as well.  He is testing the waters by flirting this way   As O'Dell said a gentle noogie is a sign of affection