Cockles of my heart

Posted by R. Berg September 07, 2001In reply to Phrase origin posted by Dorothy on September 06, 2001

Anybody know where this phrase originated and what it means?
"warms the cockles of my heart"

Meaning: Causes a pleasant feeling of a sentimental kind, is comforting, is reassuring.
Origin: Not clear. The shell of the cockle, a mussel, is somewhat heart-shaped, but that may not have produced this phrase.
Entry from Webster's Second Unabridged, 1934: "Cockles of the heart: A phrase (in which 'cockles' is of uncertain meaning) denoting the depths of the heart; as, to 'delight, rejoice, cheer, warm,' etc., 'the cockles of one's heart.'"

Replies

Cochleae cordis? Bruce Kahl 09/07/01
- Correction; derivation R. Berg 09/07/01
  - Cockles ESC 09/07/01