femme fatale: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Not exactly. It is a descriptive term with ambivalent connotations. It acknowledges power, allure, and mystique but always associates them with danger, manipulation, and a tragic or destructive outcome. Calling someone a femme fatale can be seen as a backhanded compliment.

Yes, especially in modern narratives. While traditionally a supporting or antagonistic role (in stories centred on a male protagonist), contemporary fiction and film often feature femme fatales as complex protagonists, exploring their motivations and agency.

It can be, depending on context. The archetype is rooted in a male gaze and often portrays female sexuality as inherently dangerous and destructive. However, many modern analyses and uses reclaim or deconstruct the trope to critique these very stereotypes and explore female power.

Yes, though less culturally codified. Terms like 'homme fatal' (rarely used), 'seducer', 'cad', 'rake', or 'Lothario' convey a similar idea of a charming but ultimately damaging romantic partner, but typically without the same connotation of fatal, archetypal doom central to the femme fatale.

A seductive, mysterious, and often dangerous woman who lures men into compromising, dangerous, or doomed situations, typically leading to their downfall.

Femme fatale is usually literary, artistic, journalistic, film/culture critique; somewhat formal. rare in casual everyday speech. in register.

Femme fatale: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfam fəˈtɑːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfɛm fəˈtɑːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.