charmer

Charmer is a noun in English that denotes a person who uses charm to influence others or animals, or who practises magical charms or spells. In everyday language, a charmer is someone who easily wins people over with warmth, humor, eloquence, or flattery. The term can be used descriptively for a socially adept person, or pejoratively to imply manipulation.

Etymology: The word derives from charm, via the agent suffix -er. It entered English through Old French charmer, from Latin carmen meaning "song, spell," with sense development toward a persuasive or enchanting effect.

In folklore and popular culture, a charmer may refer to a practitioner of magical charms, incantations, or talismans. The phrase "snake charmer" describes a person who uses a wind instrument to seemingly enchant snakes; the term has extended metaphorically to a person who appears to control others with ease.

See also: Charm, charisma, enchantment, enchanter, snake charmer.