Definition

Noun: * The act of behaving in a playful or teasing way to attract someone's romantic or sexual interest. It involves lighthearted conversation, suggestive remarks, or playful physical gestures with the intent of showing attraction.

Usage

• "Flirting" is an uncountable noun describing the general activity or behavior.
• It is often used with verbs like or .
• It describes behavior that is not serious or committed but is intended to test or stimulate romantic interest.

Examples

• Her friendly conversation was misinterpreted as flirting.
• They were engaged in some harmless flirting at the party.
• He has a natural talent for flirting.
• I'm not interested in your games of flirting.

Advanced Usage

• "To be flirting with disaster/danger/an idea": This is an idiomatic use of the verb form (). It means to act in a way that recklessly tests the limits of something dangerous or to consider an idea without serious commitment.
  • Driving that fast is flirting with disaster.
  • She's been flirting with the idea of moving abroad.

Variants and Related Words

• Flirt (verb): To behave as described in the noun definition.
  • He likes to flirt with the waitresses.
• Flirt (noun): A person who often flirts.
  • He's known as a terrible flirt.
• Flirtatious (adjective): Characterized by or inclined to flirt.
  • She gave him a flirtatious smile.

Synonyms

• Coquetry: (More formal, old-fashioned) The behavior of a coquette; flirtation.
• Teasing: Playfully making fun of or tempting someone.
• Banter: Playful and friendly exchange of teasing remarks.

Related Phrases

• Flirt with someone: To direct flirtatious behavior toward a specific person.
  • I saw you flirting with the new intern.
• Flirt with something: (Idiomatic) To consider or engage with something riskily or superficially (see Advanced Usage).

Noun

1. playful behavior intended to arouse sexual interest