got coy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "got coy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is being shy, modest, or evasive, often in a playful or flirtatious manner. Example: "When he complimented her, she just smiled and got coy, avoiding his gaze."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I am amused by the way in which "Game of Thrones" got coy about Jon Snow's resurrection, like a Lothario suddenly not wanting to remove his shirt.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Reviewers get coy around narrative secrets: spoilers make them tongue-tied.

The New Yorker

When Janowitz gets coy or retreats into cliché in passages about her famous friends, it doesn't seem to be out of discretion.

The Guardian - Books

"This is what we call breaking the fourth wall," she said, sitting at the lip of the stage, getting coy with the audience just outside the spotlight.

The New York Times - Arts

Otellini gets coy when asked whether Intel might eventually surface in the Apple iPhone, due in June.

Forbes

Now geologists have found a way to get coy caves, at least, to reveal their true ages.

Science Magazine

If you don't have one, spend a few dollars and get a coy.

WikiHow

If you watch any interview with MacNeil she's always got this great, coy little smile going on and responds to questions like "Why are you so happy?" with something resembling a shrug.

Vice

As for my cooking skills, Chef Manila was remarkably coy: "You got tired very quickly but honestly your casoncelli-making wasn't too bad".

Independent

"Obviously, we had to get a level of comfort before we signed," Baazov says without offering details. "We got comfort". Baazov is coy about it, but a few provincial lawmakers have suggested that they want to see Canadian provinces get into business with PokerStars in a way that would make online poker a bigger tax revenue generator than it is currently.

Forbes

Initially coy, he got drawn into a debate with a couple of squatters.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "got coy" to describe a situation where someone becomes shy or evasive, often in a flirtatious or playful context. Ensure the context implies a deliberate or noticeable shift in behavior.

Common error

Avoid using "got coy" to describe genuine fear or discomfort. It's best suited for situations where the shyness is playful or intended, not a response to distress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "got coy" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a change in behavior. It describes the action of becoming shy, modest, or evasive, often in a playful or flirtatious way, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "got coy" is used to describe someone who becomes shy or evasive, typically in a playful or flirtatious manner. It's grammatically sound and, according to Ludwig, generally correct. While relatively rare, it's found mostly in news and media contexts. The phrase carries a neutral to informal register and indicates a change in behavior rather than a constant state. Understanding the contexts in which "got coy" is used helps to properly interpret and employ this expression effectively. Ludwig examples confirm its use in describing deliberate or noticeable shyness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became bashful

Emphasizes the sudden onset of shyness or timidity.

became reserved

Suggests a withdrawal into a more private or formal manner.

became reticent

Implies a reluctance to speak or reveal information.

turned demure

Focuses on adopting a modest and reserved demeanor.

feigned shyness

Implies that the shyness is not genuine, but rather an act.

affected coyness

Highlights the artificial or contrived nature of the coyness.

acted evasively

Highlights the act of avoiding directness or clarity.

responded elusively

Focuses on the quality of the response being difficult to grasp or define.

played hard to get

Specifically implies a deliberate strategy of feigning disinterest.

withdrew into herself

Indicates a retreat from social interaction and a display of inward focus.

FAQs

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

You can use "got coy" to describe someone who becomes shy or evasive, often in a flirtatious way. For example, "When he complimented her, she just smiled and "got coy", avoiding his gaze."

What can I say instead of "got coy"?

You can use alternatives like "became bashful", "turned demure", or "played hard to get" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "got coy"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Got" is the past tense of "get", and "coy" is an adjective describing the manner in which someone acts. The phrase is commonly used in informal contexts.

What is the difference between "got coy" and "became shy"?

"Got coy" often implies a playful or flirtatious shyness, while "became shy" is a more general term for becoming timid or reserved. "Got coy" might suggest a deliberate action, while "became shy" could be involuntary.