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Flirty Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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flirty

[ˈflɜːr.ti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

behaving in a playful or alluring way towards someone, often with the intention of attracting their attention or interest

Synonyms

coquettish, provocative, teasing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
flirty

Used in a friendly or playful manner when showing romantic or playful interest in someone. Often used in casual situations.

  • She gave him a flirty smile from across the room.
  • His flirty texts always make her smile.
coquettish

Describes a playful, romantic attitude, often with an element of teasing. It can sound a bit old-fashioned or literary.

  • With a coquettish glance, she turned away from him.
  • Her coquettish behavior is meant to attract attention.
teasing

Often used when someone is making playful or mildly mocking comments in a light-hearted way. It can be friendly or romantic.

  • He was teasing her about her new haircut.
  • Their teasing banter is always entertaining to watch.
provocative

Used to describe behavior or clothing that is meant to provoke a strong reaction, often of a sexual nature. Can have a negative connotation.

  • Her provocative outfit drew a lot of stares.
  • He made several provocative comments to get a reaction.

Examples of usage

  • She gave him a flirty smile across the room.
  • His flirty remarks made her blush.
Context #2 | Adjective

clothing

having a light, playful, or suggestive style, often in a way that is considered charming or attractive

Synonyms

charming, flirtatious, playful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
flirty

This word is often used when someone is being light-hearted and showing romantic or sexual interest in a playful and not too serious manner.

  • She gave him a flirty smile across the room.
  • He's always flirty with the barista at the coffee shop.
flirtatious

Similar to 'flirty', but often used to describe a behavior that is more deliberate and intentional. It can sometimes have a slightly negative or manipulative connotation.

  • Her flirtatious behavior made it clear she was interested.
  • He couldn't ignore her flirtatious glances.
playful

This word refers to a light-hearted and fun-loving attitude. It’s not necessarily romantic and can be used in many casual, non-romantic situations.

  • The puppy was very playful and loved to run around.
  • Their relationship was filled with playful teasing.
charming

This word describes someone with a pleasant, attractive personality that can make others feel good and admired. It’s not necessarily romantic or sexual.

  • He has a charming personality that wins people over.
  • The host was so charming that all the guests felt at ease.

Examples of usage

  • She wore a flirty summer dress to the party.
  • The flirty skirt swirled around her legs as she danced.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, flirting is seen as a fun way to establish interest and attraction between people.
  • Popular media often portrays flirting as a light-hearted game, with characters using humor and charm to win each other's hearts.

Psychology

  • Flirting can be a way to gauge interest and attraction without committing to a deeper connection right away.
  • Studies suggest that playful teasing and eye contact are common flirting techniques that trigger feelings of excitement.

Social Dynamics

  • Flirting can vary widely between different cultures; what is considered flirty in one place might be seen as overly forward in another.
  • In group settings, playful interactions may serve to strengthen social bonds among friends or acquaintances.

Pop Culture

  • Flirty exchanges are common in romantic films and TV shows, where characters often spark connections through witty banter.
  • Songs and poems often celebrate flirtation as a key theme in romantic relationships.

Origin of 'flirty'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'flirty' comes from the Old English word 'flertian', which means to flirt or to be playful.
  • It evolved in the early 20th century to describe a specific kind of playful romantic behavior.

The word 'flirty' originated from the verb 'flirt', which dates back to the 16th century. Originally, 'flirt' meant to move quickly or jerkily. Over time, the meaning evolved to refer to playful or amorous behavior. The adjective 'flirty' emerged in the early 20th century to describe someone engaging in flirtatious behavior or having a playful style. Today, 'flirty' is commonly used to characterize behavior, clothing, or remarks that are charming, playful, or alluring.

See also: flirt, flirtation, flirtatious, flirter, flirting.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,703, 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.