Coy means acting shy or modest in a way that's a bit calculated or playful, often to seem more interesting or attractive. When someone is being coy, they might pretend not to know something they actually know, or act less confident than they really are.

You might notice this when a student who clearly knows the answer to a question gives a coy smile and says “maybe” instead of just answering directly. Someone being coy might hint at information without saying it outright, enjoying the mystery they're creating.

The word often suggests a kind of teasing quality. If your friend asks whether you like their gift and you respond in a coy way, you're being playful rather than just saying yes or no. A coy response to “Did you eat the last cookie?” might be “What cookie?” with an exaggerated innocent expression.

While being coy can be harmless fun between friends, it can also frustrate people who just want a straight answer. If someone asks you a direct question that deserves honesty, being coy might seem like you're playing games instead of communicating clearly.