Coquette

A coquette is a woman who characteristically flirts to gain the attention or admiration of men (or women). This behavior often involves playful and charming conduct, but it can also be manipulative and insincere. The coquette's primary goal is often perceived to be the enjoyment of attention and the power derived from captivating others, rather than genuine emotional connection or the pursuit of a serious relationship. Her actions are typically designed to tease, tantalize, and draw people into a web of flirtation.

Coquette meaning with examples

• At the party, Sarah, a known coquette, batted her eyelashes and laughed at every joke, skillfully drawing the attention of several men while seemingly dismissing their advances with a playfully coy manner. Her charm was undeniable, though many recognized the superficiality of her interest.
• The novelist skillfully crafted a character who embodied the coquette's spirit, portraying her using flirtatious banter, provocative glances, and a mastery of the art of insincere compliments. The coquette thrived on the fleeting gratification of male admiration.
• Despite her outward confidence, the actress secretly viewed her flirtatious behavior as a shield, using her charm to deflect from her deeper insecurities. Critics often portrayed her as a coquette but she really just craved validation.
• After years of being perceived as a coquette, she found herself struggling to build lasting, meaningful relationships, realizing that her pursuit of attention had inadvertently alienated those who sought something deeper than a game of flirtation.