Boudeuse

/buːˈdøːz/ noun

Definition

A woman or girl who is inclined to pout or sulk, especially in a charming or coquettish manner.

Etymology

From French 'boudeuse,' feminine form of 'boudeur,' derived from 'bouder' (to sulk). The suffix '-euse' is the French feminine agent suffix, indicating a woman who performs the action.

Kelly Says

This gendered French term reveals how 19th-century Romantic literature idealized women's moodiness as a kind of charming coquetry—the word itself is wrapped up in historical attitudes about feminine behavior and allure!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.