What does coquettishly mean?
Coquettishly is an adverb describing behaviour that is playfully flirtatious — glances, smiles, or gestures meant to attract attention or admiration without any serious romantic intent. Someone who laughs coquettishly or tilts their head coquettishly is being teasingly inviting, often with a hint of artifice. The word derives from French 'coquet', meaning flirtatious, which ultimately comes from 'coq', the French word for rooster — an image of a strutting bird displaying itself. In modern English it appears most often in fiction and descriptive prose, lending a slightly literary flavour to scenes of social interaction. Its connotation ranges from charmingly playful to faintly disapproving, since calling someone's behaviour coquettish can imply manipulation or insincerity. It remains a precise and evocative choice whenever a writer wants to capture flirtation that stops short of commitment.
adverbIn a manner characteristic of a coquette; playfully flirtatious, especially in a way intended to attract attention or admiration without serious intent.
- In a playfully flirtatious manner, especially to invite attention without earnest intent.
"She tilted her head coquettishly and smiled across the room."
"She glanced at him coquettishly over the rim of her glass."
"The actress batted her eyes coquettishly for the cameras."
It all traces back to a rooster: French 'coquet' literally evokes a strutting barnyard bird showing off for hens.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of coquettishly
Coquettishly derives from the adjective 'coquettish', formed on French 'coquet' meaning flirtatious, a diminutive-like derivative of 'coq', meaning rooster — an image of a strutting bird displaying itself. The term entered English in the 17th century alongside its relatives 'coquette' and 'coquetry', both also borrowed from French during the same period. These French borrowings reflect a broader pattern of importing refined social vocabulary from French into English.
Related word forms
How coquettishly is actually used
The word carries a mildly literary or descriptive tone and is typically used of women, though it can apply more broadly. Its connotation can be playful or slightly critical depending on context.
Easily confused with coquettishly
'Covertly' means secretly or concealed, while 'coquettishly' means flirtatiously — the two share only a vague visual similarity in spelling.