What does coquetting mean?
Coquetting is the act of behaving in a flirtatious, playfully amorous manner without serious intent — charming, teasing, and encouraging admiration while offering no real commitment. The word derives from the French coquette, itself from coq ('rooster'), evoking strutting vanity. Though it most literally describes romantic flirtation, coquetting extends naturally to figurative use: politicians may be said to be coquetting with reform, writers with radicalism, adventurers with danger. In these cases it implies a light, noncommittal dalliance — entertaining an idea without ever embracing it. The word carries a faintly disapproving edge, suggesting insincerity or shallowness, which is why it tends to appear in editorial and literary contexts rather than everyday speech. Somewhat old-fashioned today, it remains a precise and elegant way to describe flirtation of both the romantic and intellectual varieties, and it rewards readers who encounter it in classic fiction and serious journalism alike.
verbTo behave in a flirtatious or playfully amorous way without serious intent, often to attract attention or admiration; more broadly, to deal with something lightly or superficially rather than committing to it seriously.
- To behave flirtatiously toward someone, especially without serious romantic intent.
- To treat an idea, option, or risk in a light, noncommittal way — as in 'coquetting with socialism' or 'coquetting with danger'.
"She spent the evening coquetting with the idea of moving to Paris, though everyone knew she would never leave."
"He spent the whole dinner coquetting with his host's daughter, much to his wife's amusement."
"The government has been accused of coquetting with populism while refusing to commit to any real reform."
Before 'flirting' took over, English borrowed a whole flirtation vocabulary from French — and coquetting was its most elegant export.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of coquetting
Coquetting comes from the French coqueter ('to flirt'), derived from coq ('rooster'), the bird proverbially associated with vain strutting. The related noun coquette entered English in the mid-17th century, and the verb form followed shortly after. Cognates include coquetry and the adjective coquettish, all preserving the same French root and its image of showy, self-displaying charm.
Related word forms
How coquetting is actually used
Slightly literary and old-fashioned in register; more likely to appear in editorial prose than casual conversation. The extended sense — treating an idea or danger lightly — is common in political and critical writing. Carries a mild connotation of insincerity or lack of commitment.
Easily confused with coquetting
A coquette is a woman who habitually flirts, whereas coquetting is the verb describing the act of flirting itself.