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Glite Dictionary
coquettishness

coquettishness

1 9.1
Playful behavior, like smiling and teasing, that tries to attract romantic interest
  • noun
  • /koʊˈkɛtɪʃnəs/
: coquetería
  • Her coquettishness was evident as she playfully tossed her hair while chatting with the guests.

Examples

  • She was a compelling mixture of girlishness, coquettishness, worldly wisdom, and rascalry.

    Fiction book (1990)

  • The actress displayed her coquettishness by winking at the audience during her performance.

  • He loved her coquettishness, especially when she teased him with a playful smile.

Synonyms

flirting
vscoquettishness
37 3.5

Playful or romantic behavior that shows interest in someone

is similar but names the quality or style rather than the action
flirtation
vscoquettishness
26 3.5

Playful behaviour to show romantic or sexual interest

is broader focusing on playful attention rather than explicit intent to seduce
to acting cute
vscoquettishness
  • Informal
2 6.9

To try to seem sweet or playful to get attention

is often more overtly sexual or teasing rather than simply endearing
coyness
vscoquettishness
1 7.0

A way of acting shy to seem attractive or get attention

is broader covering many playful approaches not only feigned modesty
teasing
vscoquettishness
  • Offensive
1 7.0

Acting to show sexual interest without wanting to continue

is wider including playful attraction not always withholding satisfaction
flirtatiousness
vscoquettishness
1 6.7

Playful way of acting that shows romantic or sexual interest in another person

is more general playful attention seeking rather than only signaling interest
coquetry
vscoquettishness
  • NSFW
1 9.5

Playful behavior to attract someone in a romantic way

is more general and can include nonsexual playful attention seeking

Antonyms

seriousness
53 2.7

A calm and honest way of speaking or acting that shows you mean what you say

genuineness
2 4.0

The state of being real and sincere

How Flirtatious

coquettishness
1 9.1
teasing
5 2.7
playfulness
7 2.5

Surface Forms

coquettishness singular
coquettishnesses plural

Morphology

coquettishness = coquettish (semi-transparent) = coquette + ish + ness

Formed by adding the productive suffix '-ness' to the adjective 'coquettish', producing a noun meaning 'the quality of being coquettish'.

Etymology

Coquettishness comes from the French coquette meaning 'flirt' and from coq meaning 'rooster', a proud bird that shows off. So coquettishness is playful, showy behaviour used to attract attention.