Coyed: meaning, definitions and examples
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coyed
[ kɔɪd ]
foolish behavior
To coy means to exhibit shyness or modesty in an attempt to be alluring. It often involves a playful or teasing demeanor. This behavior can be seen as flirtatious and is frequently used to attract attention or provoke interest in others. Coyness can be perceived as charming or intriguing in social situations.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She coyly smiled at him across the room.
- He acted coy when she complimented him.
- The cat coyly approached the mouse, pretending to be disinterested.
Translations
Translations of the word "coyed" in other languages:
🇵🇹 tímido
- reservado
- modesto
🇮🇳 संकोची
- लजाने वाला
- शर्मिला
🇩🇪 schüchtern
- scheu
- zurückhaltend
🇮🇩 malu
- pemalu
- sopan
🇺🇦 сором'язливий
- всебічний
- обережний
🇵🇱 nieśmiały
- wstydliwy
- powściągliwy
🇯🇵 控えめな
- 恥ずかしがり屋の
- シャイな
🇫🇷 timide
- réservé
- modeste
🇪🇸 tímido
- reservado
- modesto
🇹🇷 utangaç
- çekingen
- kibar
🇰🇷 수줍은
- 내성적인
- 소심한
🇸🇦 خجول
- متحفظ
- عفيف
🇨🇿 plachý
- stydlivý
- rezervovaný
🇸🇰 plachý
- hanblivý
- rezervovaný
🇨🇳 害羞的
- 羞怯的
- 内向的
🇸🇮 sramežljiv
- zadržan
- skromen
🇮🇸 feiminn
- hógfleygur
- fálegur
🇰🇿 ұяң
- сескенгіш
- тұйық
🇬🇪 მორცხვი
- დამცირება
- დასვენების
🇦🇿 utanclı
- çəkinən
- kibar
🇲🇽 tímido
- reservado
- modesto
Etymology
The word 'coyed' derives from the Middle English word 'coie', which itself comes from the Old French 'coye', meaning 'quiet' or 'reserved'. The term has evolved over time, associating itself with shy or flirtatious behavior particularly in the context of romantic interactions. The playful connotation of coyness emerged significantly during the Renaissance period when courtship rituals were highly stylized and involved subtle social cues. As language developed, the word found its way into literature and colloquialisms, where its meanings diversified to encompass a range of timidity coupled with allure. Today, 'coy' is often used in both casual conversation and formal writing to describe a person who is deliberately nonchalant while actually being interested or engaged, showcasing a complex interplay between humility and suggestiveness.