What does coy mean?
Coy is an adjective describing someone who behaves with affected shyness or modesty, often in a deliberately playful or flirtatious way designed to seem alluring or to avoid giving a straight answer. A person might give a coy smile, play coy during a courtship, or remain coy when asked direct questions by journalists. The word frequently carries a subtle note of disapproval, suggesting that the reticence is calculated or insincere rather than genuinely felt. In modern usage, particularly in news writing, coy most often appears in constructions like "coy about his intentions," signaling evasion rather than romance. Derived forms include the adverb coyly and the noun coyness. The word traces back through Old French to the Latin quietus, meaning quiet or at rest, making it a distant relative of words like quiet and quiescent — a fitting lineage for a word whose essence is holding something back.
adjectivePretending to be shy or modest in order to appear alluring or to avoid committing oneself; also, reluctant to give information or answer directly.
- Affectedly shy or modest, especially in a playful or flirtatious way intended to be alluring.
- Reluctant to commit oneself or give information; evasive about something.
"She gave a coy smile and changed the subject."
"He was coy when reporters asked whether he planned to run for office."
"She played coy for weeks before finally accepting his invitation."
"Coy" descends from the same Latin root as "quiet" — it literally began life meaning calm and silent before English gave it a flirtatious edge.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of coy
Coy entered Middle English from Old French coi, meaning quiet, still, or modest, which itself derived from the Latin quietus, meaning calm or at rest. Its original sense of quietness gradually shifted toward affected bashfulness and then toward flirtatious coyness. It thus shares its ultimate root with English words such as quiet, quiescent, and acquiesce.
Related word forms
How coy is actually used
The second sense is common in journalism, especially in the phrase "remains coy about," describing someone who avoids giving details. The word often carries a slightly disapproving connotation of insincerity or affectation rather than genuine shyness.
Easily confused with coy
"Koi" is a noun meaning an ornamental Japanese carp, while "coy" is an adjective describing shy or evasive behavior.
"To cloy" means to sicken or disgust with excess sweetness, whereas "coy" describes affected shyness or reluctance.