flirtatious

Flirtatious is an adjective describing behavior, demeanour, or speech that signals romantic or sexual interest in a playful, light-hearted way. A flirtatious person uses charm, humour, and social cues to invite mutual attention without explicit sexual content.

Common manifestations include sustained eye contact, smiles, light or witty banter, compliments, playful teasing, flirtatious tone, and occasional gentle touching in appropriate contexts.

Usage and interpretation: Flirtatious behavior can be welcomed or unwelcome depending on context, relationship, and consent. It is often purposeful but can be ambiguous; different cultures and individuals vary in what is considered appropriate.

In psychology, flirtation is seen as a form of social signaling to test romantic interest and establish connection; it can function as a courtship tactic or a social performance, and not all flirtatious behavior is sexual.

In everyday use, flirtatious describes both deliberate acts and general demeanor. The term appears in literature and media to characterize characters who engage in light, suggestive conversation without overt sexual content.