What does flirtingly mean?
'Flirtingly' is an uncommon adverb describing behavior done in the manner of a flirt: playfully, teasingly, or with light suggestions of romantic interest offered without serious intent. Someone who smiles flirtingly, speaks flirtingly, or glances flirtingly is signaling amorous playfulness rather than deep commitment. The word is formed from the verb 'flirt' plus the adverbial suffix '-ly', placing it in the same family as 'flirtation' and 'flirtatious'. Though it appears chiefly in literary prose and older writing, it remains fully understood today, where it evokes charm, mischief, and coyness. Because modern English overwhelmingly favors 'flirtatiously' for this meaning, 'flirtingly' carries a slightly antique register, making it useful to writers seeking a period voice. Its connotations are almost always benign — light-hearted, socially graceful, and non-binding — distinguishing playful flirtation from genuine courtship.
adverbIn a manner that flirts; playfully or coquettishly suggestive of romantic or amorous interest without serious intent.
- In a playful, coquettish manner suggesting romantic or amorous interest without serious intent.
"She smiled flirtingly across the dinner table, well aware of the effect she was having."
"He tipped his hat flirtingly as she passed the café window."
"The letters, written flirtingly in her youth, revealed a surprisingly bold side of the future duchess."
'Flirtingly' turns a whole behavior into a single syllable-ending word — one glance, described in an instant.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of flirtingly
'Flirtingly' derives from the verb 'flirt', whose earliest recorded sense in English (late 16th century) was a sudden jerk or movement, with the familiar sense of playing at courtship emerging in the following century. The adverb is formed with the regular '-ly' suffix, attaching directly to the verbal stem. Its close relatives — 'flirt', 'flirtation', and 'flirtatious' — share this same English root, which itself may trace back to frequentative verb forms common in early modern English.
Related word forms
How flirtingly is actually used
'Flirtingly' is rare in modern usage and carries a distinctly literary, somewhat old-fashioned flavor; writers today more often reach for 'flirtatiously' or 'coquettishly'. It connotes lightness and play rather than sincere intent.
Easily confused with flirtingly
Both adverbs describe flirt-like behavior, but 'flirtingly' literally suggests the manner of one who flirts, while 'flirtatiously' derives from the adjective 'flirtatious' and is the more common term in modern usage.