The superlative form of coy, meaning the most shy, modest, or evasive in a playful way.
From Middle French 'coi' (quiet), from Latin 'quietus' (quiet). The superlative form 'coyest' developed as English adopted the word and added the standard superlative suffix '-est'.
The word 'coy' wasn't always about flirtation—it originally just meant quiet or still. Over time, people started using it to describe someone pretending to be shy, especially in a playful romantic way, which is why it sounds charming rather than genuinely nervous.
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