coquetry: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, literary, somewhat archaic
Quick answer
What does “coquetry” mean?
Flirtatious behaviour intended to attract attention, admiration, or affection without serious intent.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Flirtatious behaviour intended to attract attention, admiration, or affection without serious intent.
The act of playfully treating something, such as an idea or belief, in a flirtatious or unserious way. More generally, any superficial engagement designed to charm or amuse.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The word is equally rare and literary in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more likely to be used in historical or ironic contexts. Can carry a faintly old-fashioned or genteel connotation.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties. More likely to be encountered in classic literature, fashion writing, or sophisticated social commentary than in everyday speech.
Grammar
How to Use “coquetry” in a Sentence
[indulge in/engage in] coquetrycoquetry [with someone/something]an [adjective] coquetryVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coquetry” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The novel's heroine was known to coquet with several suitors before making her choice.
American English
- He accused the politician of coquetting with radical ideas just to win votes.
adverb
British English
- She glanced coquettishly from behind her fan, a gesture straight from a period drama.
adjective
British English
- She gave him a coquettish smile over the rim of her teacup.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. Could appear metaphorically in very sophisticated commentary on corporate strategy or marketing ('the brand's coquetry with sustainability').
Academic
Rare; may appear in literary, historical, gender, or cultural studies analysing social behaviour.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would sound formal, literary, or intentionally humorous/arch.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “coquetry”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “coquetry”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coquetry”
- Using it as a synonym for 'flirting' in casual conversation sounds unnatural. Confusing it with 'coquette' (the person). Incorrectly assuming it has a strongly negative connotation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not inherently. It describes playful, flirtatious behaviour. Context determines if it's seen as charming, irritating, or insincere.
Yes, though it is traditionally associated with feminine behaviour. Modern usage allows it for any gender, often in a metaphorical sense (e.g., 'political coquetry').
'Flirting' is the broad, common term. 'Coquetry' is a more formal, literary word that often implies a calculated series of acts or a sustained style of behaviour, with a slightly old-fashioned feel.
Yes. A 'coquette' is a person (traditionally a woman) who engages in 'coquetry'. 'Coquetry' is the abstract noun for the behaviour itself.
Flirtatious behaviour intended to attract attention, admiration, or affection without serious intent.
Coquetry is usually formal, literary, somewhat archaic in register.
Coquetry: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒkɪtri/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkoʊkɪtri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to 'coquetry'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a COCKtail party where a COQuette engages in coquETRY.
Conceptual Metaphor
ROMANCE/ATTRACTION IS A GAME (coquetry is the playful rule-based behaviour in that game).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'coquetry' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?