Pronunciation: [kˈɔ͡ɪ] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "coy" is simple but can be tricky to pronounce. It is spelled as /kɔɪ/, pronounced as "koi". The "c" is silent and the "o" and "y" combine to create a diphthong sound. "Coy" is an adjective used to describe someone or something that is hesitant, shy or reserved. It can also refer to a flirtatious or provocative behavior. Its origins come from Middle French "coi" meaning quiet, still or peaceful.
Coy is an adjective that is used to describe someone's behavior or attitude as being shy, modest, or reluctant to reveal their true intentions or feelings. It is often associated with a playful reluctance or a flirtatious manner.
When describing a person, the term coy suggests a certain level of restraint or coyness, typically in order to create interest or charm others. A coy person may appear bashful or demure, often using evasive language or subtle gestures to convey their desires without explicitly stating them. This can be seen as an attempt to maintain an air of mystery or to draw attention in a captivating manner.
The term is also commonly used to describe the behavior of animals, particularly in the wild. For instance, a coy animal may exhibit shyness or a tendency to withdraw or hide in the presence of humans or other potential threats. This behavior is often observed in certain species of birds, mammals, and reptiles.
In summary, being coy can refer to someone's behavior characterized by bashfulness, reluctance, or evasive actions to express their true thoughts or feelings. It often carries a playful undertone, creating an aura of charm or allure. Additionally, the term is used to describe the behaviors of certain animals, indicating a tendency to withdraw or exhibit shyness in specific situations or surroundings.
Bashful; modest; reserved; not accessible.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "coy" comes from Middle English "coy" or "coye", which means shy or quiet. It can be traced back to the Old French word "coi", which also means quiet or still. The Old French word likely originated from the Latin word "quietus", meaning calm or quiet. Over time, the meaning of "coy" expanded to include the sense of artfully or cleverly shy or reserved, particularly in relation to romantic or flirtatious behavior.
