Spooning is a position often used for cuddling where two people, usually a couple, lie on the same side so that they face the same direction. Each individual is given a term when spooning, with the “little spoon” in front and the “big spoon” behind them, with their chest to the little spoon’s back. When in this position, the big spoon often wraps their top arm around the little spoon.
This cuddling position gets its name because it resembles how spoons look when stacked, with their curves fitting together.
Many people assume that the taller partner must be the big spoon and the smaller partner the little spoon, but that is not the case. The big spoon is simply whoever is embracing the other from behind, and the little spoon is the partner being embraced. This means that either partner, no matter their size or gender, can be the little or big spoon at any time.
This also means that whoever the big spoon or little spoon is can be switched up. It’s common to take on the same position, but sometimes switching things up allows roles within the relationship to change, even if just for a moment. For example, the person who is the big spoon can take a turn as the little spoon, allowing them to feel supported and vulnerable.