coy smile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "coy smile" is correct and often used in written English to describe a subtle, shy, or flirtatious smile.
It can be used in various contexts, such as describing someone's demeanor or expressing a character's attitude. Example: Emily couldn't resist flashing a coy smile at the handsome stranger across the room, hoping to catch his attention.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

She gave a coy smile.

The New Yorker

There was a pause, then a coy smile.

The New York Times

Breaking into a coy smile, Didion replies with another question.

The New Yorker

"Wow, so much pressure," she said, flashing a coy smile.

The New Yorker

Afterward, he answered questions about his day with a coy smile.

The New York Times - Sports

But Tiffany Cortes, 10, with a coy smile, insisted that the ending was still under discussion.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

All I can tell you is that when this subject comes up, they're all coy smiles.

The Guardian

"2 kilos of sea" is weakest in its attempts at whimsy and awkward humor, its coy smiles directed at the audience.

The New York Times - Arts

As energy sources go, Joe Johnson is fantastically deceptive, all sleepy eyes and shrugs and coy smiles, without a single signature exclamation in his emotional arsenal.

The New York Times - Sports

They would have whispered as I approached, given me soft, coy smiles as I passed, and as I walked away begun to whisper once more.

The New York Times

Yet it's difficult to say what, if anything, is behind the catchy choruses and coy smiles that contribute to her success.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "coy smile" to describe a smile that is both shy and flirtatious, often used to create intrigue or suggest hidden feelings. It's effective in portraying characters who are intentionally being demure or evasive.

Common error

Avoid using "coy smile" to describe any shy smile. A "coy smile" has an element of flirtation or coyness that a purely shy smile lacks. Ensure the context suggests a deliberate attempt to be demure, not just a natural lack of confidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "coy smile" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or complement within a sentence. It describes a specific type of smile characterized by shyness, reserve, or flirtatiousness. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "coy smile" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a smile that combines shyness with flirtatiousness. Ludwig AI confirms its consistent and proper usage across various contexts. It's important to differentiate it from a purely shy smile by ensuring an element of deliberate demureness. Alternatives include "bashful smile", "demure smile", and "flirtatious smile", each adding a slightly different nuance. Primarily found in news and media, the expression helps convey subtle emotional states in character descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bashful smile

Describes a smile characterized by shyness or modesty, emphasizing the reserved nature of the expression.

demure smile

Indicates a reserved and modest smile, highlighting its quiet and unassuming quality.

flirtatious smile

Suggests a smile intended to attract or tease someone, focusing on its playful and suggestive nature.

wry smile

Implies a smile expressing irony or amusement, emphasizing its slightly mocking or knowing quality.

knowing smile

Highlights that the smile suggests shared knowledge or understanding, implying a secret or inside joke.

enigmatic smile

Describes a smile that is mysterious and difficult to interpret, emphasizing its puzzling quality.

reserved smile

Focuses on the restrained and controlled nature of the smile, highlighting its lack of exuberance.

teasing smile

Indicates a playful smile intended to provoke or amuse, emphasizing its mischievous quality.

sly smile

Suggests a smile that is secretive or cunning, implying hidden intentions.

subtle smile

Implies a smile that is faint and delicate, underscoring its understated nature.

FAQs

How can I use "coy smile" in a sentence?

You can use "coy smile" to describe someone who is smiling in a shy and flirtatious way. For example: "She gave him a "coy smile", hinting at her interest."

What does "coy smile" mean?

A "coy smile" is a smile that is shy or modest in a way that is intended to be alluring or attractive. It suggests a playful or teasing demeanor.

What can I say instead of "coy smile"?

You can use alternatives like "bashful smile", "demure smile", or "flirtatious smile" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "coy smile" a positive or negative expression?

The expression "coy smile" is generally neutral to positive, implying allure or playful shyness. However, in some contexts, it can be perceived negatively if it suggests insincerity or manipulation.