Correct, years ago (((you))) (insert name for you) meant hugs, so it can still have a positive connotation today … unless/until the language evolves far enough to totally obscure the original meaning, and/or the original meaning is forgotten with the passage of time.
Symbols/words can have many meanings, depending on the context, or location. There's translation (general) and then there's localization (specific/regional).
That said, long may our symbol of freedom, the American flag, wave!
God bless all anons, autists, and patriots here!