cocktease: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low / Offensive SlangVery Informal, Vulgar, Potentially Offensive
Quick answer
What does “cocktease” mean?
A person, especially a woman, who deliberately excites another's sexual desire but refuses to satisfy it.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person, especially a woman, who deliberately excites another's sexual desire but refuses to satisfy it; someone who leads another on without intention of following through.
A person who creates excitement or anticipation about something (non-sexual) but fails to deliver; someone who tantalises or tempts with something unattainable.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage and offensiveness are comparable. Slightly more likely to be found in American media/pop culture references.
Connotations
Equally vulgar and derogatory in both dialects. May be perceived as slightly more archaic or 'hardboiled' in UK usage.
Frequency
Very low frequency in polite or public discourse due to its offensiveness. Found in certain subcultures, historical texts, or as a deliberate insult.
Grammar
How to Use “cocktease” in a Sentence
[Subject] is a cocktease.Don't be such a cocktease.He called her a cocktease.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cocktease” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She's just cockteasing him, leading him on with no real interest.
American English
- Don't cocktease me if you're not serious about this.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely inappropriate; never used.
Academic
Only used in critical analysis of language, gender studies, or sociology to discuss the term itself.
Everyday
Avoided in polite conversation due to high offensiveness. May be heard in hostile arguments or certain misogynistic contexts.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cocktease”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cocktease”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cocktease”
- Using it in any formal or polite context.
- Assuming it's a harmless synonym for 'flirt'.
- Spelling as 'cock-tease' or 'cock tease'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered a vulgar and deeply offensive slur, particularly against women. Its use is likely to cause serious offence and reflect very poorly on the speaker.
Yes, 'tease' or 'flirt' can describe playful behaviour without the vulgar and objectifying connotations. 'Heartbreaker' is informal but less offensive.
While historically applied to women, it can be used against any gender. However, its core as a misogynistic insult remains, and it is offensive regardless of the target's gender.
It reduces a person's autonomy and complex motives to a single, sexually provocative act intended solely to frustrate another. It embodies entitlement and is used to shame and control, primarily women, for their sexual choices or expressions.
A person, especially a woman, who deliberately excites another's sexual desire but refuses to satisfy it.
Cocktease is usually very informal, vulgar, potentially offensive in register.
Cocktease: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒkˌtiːz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːkˌtiːz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “All tease, no please.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
COCK (slang for penis) + TEASE (to tantalise) = someone who teases sexually.
Conceptual Metaphor
SEXUAL ATTRACTION IS A COMMODITY BEING WITHHELD; THE PERSON IS AN AGENT OF FRUSTRATION.
Practice
Quiz
In which context might the term 'cocktease' be academically acceptable?