What does flirt mean?
To flirt is to engage in playful, often amorous behavior intended to attract someone's attention or express romantic interest without necessarily intending anything serious. Typical flirting involves teasing banter, lingering eye contact, compliments, and light physical gestures, all conducted with a degree of deniability that distinguishes it from open courtship. The word also functions as a noun describing a person given to such behavior, often with a mildly disapproving implication of insincerity. Beyond romance, 'flirt with' has become a versatile metaphorical expression: one can flirt with danger, flirt with disaster, or flirt with the idea of changing careers, each signaling a tentative toying with risk rather than commitment. Informal in tone, the word appears everywhere from literature to everyday conversation, making it an essential term for describing the subtle choreography of attraction and hesitation.
To behave playfully or amorously toward someone without serious intent, typically to attract attention or interest.
"She flirted with him across the dinner table, twirling her wineglass and laughing at every joke."
Commonly extended in the phrase 'flirt with' to mean to toy with something risky or tentative, as in 'flirt with danger.'
A person who habitually engages in playful amorous behavior without serious romantic intent.
"Everyone knew he was a flirt, charming at every party but never once serious."
Often carries a mildly critical connotation, implying superficiality or insincerity in matters of affection.
Used only for the noun sense referring to people who habitually flirt.
"The ballroom was full of practiced flirts, each more charming than the last."
Flirting got its name from a French phrase meaning 'to pluck flower petals' — conter fleurette, literally talking in the language of flowers.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of flirt
The verb 'flirt' first appears in English in the early 17th century, originally meaning a sudden jerk or quick movement — people would 'flirt' a fan or a horse its tail. Its modern amorous sense developed by the mid-to-late 17th century, likely influenced by the Old French phrase 'conter fleurette' ('to talk flowers'), meaning to speak sweetly or make love through flowery compliments. The exact chain of development between the two senses remains debated among lexicographers, so the precise connection should be treated cautiously.
Related word forms
How flirt is actually used
The word is informal to neutral in register and generally lighthearted in connotation, though 'flirting' can carry negative overtones when perceived as insincere or inappropriate in professional contexts. The phrase 'flirt with' extends metaphorically to non-romantic contexts — flirting with danger, bankruptcy, or an idea — indicating toying with something risky without commitment.
Easily confused with flirt
Philandering refers to habitual casual love affairs, especially by a man toward his spouse's detriment, whereas flirting is lighter playful behavior that need not involve deception or infidelity.