Flirting: meaning, definitions and examples

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flirting

[ˈfləːtɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

romantic interest

Flirting is the act of showing romantic interest in someone in a playful or teasing way. It involves making subtle gestures, compliments, and body language to convey attraction.

Synonyms

courting, teasing, wooing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
flirting	When engaging in playfully romantic or sexual behavior to show interest in someone. It's often casual and doesn't necessarily lead to a serious relationship. She caught him flirting with her from across the room. They spent the evening flirting and laughing at the party.
teasing	When making playful or mocking remarks to someone, which can be friendly or mean-spirited. It can be romantic if there's a hint of intimacy, but it doesn’t always have to be. He was teasing her about her new hairstyle all morning. Their relationship is full of playful teasing and inside jokes.
courting	When someone is pursuing a romantic relationship with the intention of finding a long-term partner. It is often more formal and serious than flirting. They spent months courting before deciding to get engaged. Courting practices have changed significantly over the years.
wooing	When someone is trying to gain the love or favor of another, typically in a romantic and often persistent manner. It's usually more intense and genuine than flirting. He spent months wooing her with flowers and love letters. In many cultures, wooing can involve elaborate gestures and rituals.

Examples of usage

She was flirting with him by laughing at all his jokes.
He flirted with her by complimenting her outfit.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

social interaction

Flirting can also refer to a social interaction that is playful and light-hearted, often with a hint of romantic interest. It can occur in various settings, such as parties, work, or online.

Synonyms

banter, coquetry, flirtation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
flirting	This word is used in casual or social situations where someone is showing romantic or playful interest in someone else. It can be lighthearted and is not necessarily serious. She was clearly flirting with him at the party. He enjoys flirting with new people he meets.
banter	Banter refers to playful and friendly exchange of teasing remarks. It's often used among friends or people who are comfortable with each other and doesn't necessarily have a romantic context. Their banter made everyone at the table laugh. They engaged in some light banter at the office.
flirtation	Flirtation is similar to flirting but often implies a series of actions or a state of interaction rather than a single act. It can be used to describe a brief or casual romantic interest. Their flirtation was obvious to everyone around them. The flirtation between them didn’t lead to anything serious.
coquetry	This term is more formal and archaic and refers to behavior of a woman who is trying to attract a man by behaving playfully or flirtatiously. It often has a negative or insincere connotation. Her coquetry was evident in every gesture she made. He found her coquetry both charming and suspect.

Examples of usage

They engaged in some harmless flirting at the office party.
The online chat was filled with playful flirting.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'flirt' originates from the 16th century and is thought to come from the Middle English word 'flirten,' which means to flick or dart.
In the early 18th century, 'flirting' began to reference playful romantic behavior, likely influenced by courtly love traditions.
Various languages have their own terms for flirting, showcasing how this behavior is recognized across cultures.

Psychology

Flirting often involves body language, such as eye contact and smiling, which are essential in signaling interest.
Studies show that flirting can boost confidence for both the flirter and the person being flirted with, enhancing social interactions.
Subtlety in flirting is important; overly direct approaches can be perceived as aggressive or uncomfortable.

Cultural Aspects

Flirting styles can differ widely between cultures – what is considered charming in one country may be seen as rude in another.
In some societies, flirting is a common and playful way to initiate romantic relationships, while in others, it is more reserved and indirect.
Cultural norms greatly influence how flirting is perceived, with factors like age, gender, and social context playing significant roles.

Pop Culture

Flirting is a popular theme in movies and television shows, often depicted in romantic comedies where characters humorously navigate romantic tensions.
Social media has transformed flirting into new practices, such as 'sliding into DMs,' creating modern avenues for romantic interest.
The portrayal of flirting in music often emphasizes the excitement and emotional highs associated with budding romance.

Evolutionary Biology

Some researchers argue that flirting helps signal genetic fitness and reproductive capabilities, making it an ancient courtship practice.
Flirting behaviors may vary between genders, with men often taking a more overt approach while women may employ more subtle tactics.
From an evolutionary perspective, flirting serves to attract mates while also allowing individuals to navigate social hierarchies.

Translations

Translations of the word "flirting" in other languages:

🇵🇹 paquera

🇮🇳 छेड़खानी (Chhedkhani)

🇩🇪 Flirten

🇮🇩 menggoda

🇺🇦 флірт

🇵🇱 flirt

🇯🇵 フリーティング (furītingu)

🇫🇷 flirt

🇪🇸 flirteo

🇹🇷 flört

🇰🇷 플러팅 (peulleoting)

🇸🇦 مغازلة (mughazala)

🇨🇿 flirtování

🇸🇰 flirtovanie

🇨🇳 调情 (tiáoqíng)

🇸🇮 spogledovanje

🇮🇸 daðra

🇰🇿 флирт

🇬🇪 ფლირტი (pliṭi)

🇦🇿 flört

🇲🇽 flirteo

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,491, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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20488 vocations
20489 meandering
20490 vibratory
20491 flirting
20492 symbolical
20493 isometric
20494 wicker
...