English Lexicon

Couch surfing

/ˈkaʊtʃ ˌsɜːr.fɪŋ/
nounverbCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #8500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    The practice of moving from one temporary sleeping place to another, typically staying on friends' sofas or using online hospitality networks for free accommodation.

    "During his backpacking trip across Europe, he relied entirely on couch surfing to save money and meet locals."
As verb
  1. 1

    To stay temporarily as a guest on someone's couch or spare room without paying rent.

    "She spent three weeks couch surfing among various friends while looking for a permanent apartment."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

The term combines 'couch', representing a piece of living room furniture often used as a makeshift bed, and 'surfing', metaphorically borrowed from 'channel surfing' or 'internet surfing' to denote browsing or moving rapidly from one temporary option to another. Originating in the late 20th century, it was popularized by online hospitality exchange networks built to connect travelers with hosts willing to provide free temporary lodging.

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