Playfully teasing or suggesting romantic interest in a light, non-serious way.
From 'flirt,' which emerged in the 1500s, possibly from French 'fleureter' (to touch lightly). The suffix '-ious' makes it an adjective. The word originally meant to move quickly or jerk about.
The word 'flirt' once literally meant 'to flip or jerk around'—and that's exactly what flirting is, a light quick movement of attention from person to person, never staying in one place too long.
Disproportionately applied to women as character judgment; conflates casual friendliness with sexual invitation. Used to discredit women's professional communication or justify harassment.
Describe specific behaviors ('made prolonged eye contact', 'touched arm repeatedly') rather than labeling personas. Apply gender-neutrally if at all.
["playful","familiar","casually intimate (with behavior specified)"]
Women's warmth and conversational skill were historically pathologized as 'flirtation' to undermine their credibility in professional/public spaces.
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