Coquet: meaning, definitions and examples

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coquet

[ˈkəʊˌket ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

flirtatious behavior

To coquet means to behave flirtatiously or playfully with someone, usually without serious intentions.

Synonyms

flirt, flirtatious, tease.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
coquet	This word, though rarely used in modern language, implies playful behavior intended to attract attention or admiration, often flirtatiously. It is more formal and literary. She had a tendency to coquet with her admirers at the ball
flirt	This is the most common and neutral word in casual or widespread use for someone who behaves as if they are sexually attracted to someone else, usually in a playful and not serious way. He loves to flirt with his classmates during lunch break
tease	This word implies playful or provocative behavior towards someone, often to attract them. It can sometimes have a negative or frustrating connotation, as it might suggest leading someone on without serious intentions. He likes to tease her with affectionate nicknames, but she's never quite sure if he's serious
flirtatious	This adjective describes behavior that shows a playful attraction to someone. It can be used in both positive and negative contexts, depending on the situation. She gave him a flirtatious smile, causing his heart to race

Examples of usage

She liked to coquet with all the boys at the party.
He coquetted with her, but she could tell he wasn't serious.
The way she coquetted with him made everyone in the room envious.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

flirtatious person

A coquet is a person who engages in flirtatious behavior, often without any intention of commitment.

Synonyms

flirt, flirtatious person, tease.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
coquet	An archaic term best used in historical or literary contexts when describing a person, usually a woman, who flirts in a playful and irresistible manner. In the 18th-century novel, she was described as a charming coquet who captivated everyone at the ball
flirt	Commonly used in casual, everyday language to describe someone who is playfully behaving as if they are sexually attracted to someone, without serious intentions. He's a known flirt, always making witty remarks to the new employees
tease	Used in a casual context to describe someone who enjoys flirting or making suggestive remarks without the intention of pursuing a serious relationship. Often has a slightly negative connotation, implying that the behavior might be misleading or insincere. He was always a tease, leading people on without ever planning to date them
flirtatious person	Describes someone who habitually flirts, useful in both casual and formal conversations to denote this behavior. The term is gender-neutral. She didn't mean any harm; she's just naturally a flirtatious person

Examples of usage

She was known as the biggest coquet in town.
He was such a coquet, always leading people on.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'coquet' comes from the French word 'coquet,' which means 'flirtatious.'
It shares roots with the older term 'coquette,' referring to a woman who flirts for attention.
Originally, 'coquet' was used in the 17th century to denote playful teasing among friends.

Literature

In literature, characters who coquet often have complex relationships, playing with emotions to gain affection.
Famous works, like Shakespeare's plays, feature coquetry as a theme, highlighting social dynamics and tensions.
The term appears frequently in romantic poetry, where poets describe the allure and playfulness of a coquet's charms.

Cultural Significance

Coquetry is often celebrated in fashion and social events, suggesting elegance and charm.
In some cultures, being a coquet is viewed positively, associating it with femininity and allure.
The art of coquetry is explored in many modern romance novels, portraying the complexity of attraction.

Psychology

Psychological studies indicate that playful flirting can enhance social bonding and interaction.
People often coquet as a way to boost their self-esteem by gaining attention and admiration from others.
Experiments show that light-hearted flirting may release endorphins, contributing to feelings of happiness.

Translations

Translations of the word "coquet" in other languages:

🇵🇹 galantear

🇮🇳 छेड़खानी करना

🇩🇪 flirten

🇮🇩 menggoda

🇺🇦 фліртувати

🇵🇱 kokietować

🇯🇵 媚を売る

🇫🇷 flirter

🇪🇸 coquetear

🇹🇷 flört etmek

🇰🇷 추파를 던지다

🇸🇦 يغازل

🇨🇿 koketovat

🇸🇰 koketovať

🇨🇳 调情 (tiáo qíng)

🇸🇮 koketirati

🇮🇸 daðra

🇰🇿 қырындау

🇬🇪 ფლირტი

🇦🇿 flört etmək

🇲🇽 coquetear

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,985, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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39987 ichthyological
39988 inauspiciously
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