pebbling

Meanings

1. present participle and gerund of pebble

1. The placing of pebbles in any of several board games.
2. A way of graining leather with a ribbed or roughened appearance.
3. In neurodivergent people, the act of offering small, meaningful gifts or gestures to express affection and establish social bonds.

Etymology

Noun sense 3 is referencing the courtship displays of Adélie penguins and Gentoo penguins, who present smooth pebbles used for nest building to their partners. Popularized on social media in 2024.