Coquetry

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈkɒkɪtɹi/

Definitions

1. The act of playfully teasing or flirting to evoke romantic interest in others is often seen as a charming display of affection
2. Engaging in flirtatious behavior that aims to captivate and attract potential partners reflects a playful and artistic expression of love
3. The behavior of teasing or acting in a playful way to draw romantic interest from others

Etymology: Coquetry comes from French "coquetterie," the noun formed from "coquet," meaning flirtatious or wanting to attract admiration. The French adjective is itself linked to "coq," the rooster, and the image of a strutting cock that shows off to the hens is the root of the idea. English borrowed the French noun with its flirtatious sense intact, so the word has always carried the notion of a display made to win attention rather than anything serious. The suffix "-ery" in the French form, as in "coquetterie," marks a quality or behaviour, so the word names the conduct itself, the habit of flirting, rather than a person. That is why it sounds slightly more abstract than "coquette," which describes the flirt herself.

Synonyms: flirtation, feminine wiles, seduction, artifice, dalliance

Antonyms: seriousness, sincerity, genuineness, honesty, straightforwardness