Coyness

Coyness is a subtle and intentionally provocative display of modesty or reluctance to reveal one's true feelings, desires, or intentions. It often involves playful teasing, flirtation, or a deliberate withholding of information. The intention behind coyness can vary from attracting attention and creating intrigue to masking vulnerability or insecurity. It's a delicate dance of hinting and withdrawing, relying on implication rather than directness. This behavior frequently involves indirect communication, a degree of self-consciousness, and a strategic manipulation of availability or openness, resulting in an air of mystery that can both charm and frustrate. The effectiveness of coyness hinges on the context and the recipient's perception.

Coyness meaning with examples

• Her coyness during the interview, constantly redirecting questions about her past, only heightened the curiosity of the panel. They became fascinated by her subtle evasiveness and indirect answers. It was a calculated move, designed to maintain an air of mystique.
• Despite his obvious interest, her coyness kept him guessing, enjoying the slow burn of pursuit. The ambiguity in her actions, the occasional fleeting glances followed by swift retreats, kept him captivated.
• The playwright masterfully employed coyness in the character's dialogue, hinting at secrets rather than revealing them. The mystery built slowly and intensely, creating a palpable tension in the theater.
• The diplomat used coyness in negotiations, carefully avoiding committing to specific proposals until the very last moment, allowing him to assess the situation and maximize his leverage.
• Her coyness in the dating game made it a lot more captivating, with a slow burn of flirty comments, which eventually lead to something romantic between them.