👀 The Come-Hither Look
Definition:
come-hither look - A seductive or flirtatious glance, a come-on. This cliché represents one of the few surviving uses of the adverb “hither,” from the olden days where terms like “hither” and “thither” reigned supreme. Shakespeare’s character might say, “Come hither,” but modern romantic leads just wink.
Synonyms:
- Flirty wink 😘
- Smoky eyes 🔥
- Bedroom eyes 😴
- Seductive glance 😍
Antonyms:
- Blank stare 🥱
- Disinterested gaze 😒
- Cold shoulder ❄️
- Deadpan expression 😐
Fun Facts:
- Did you know the term gained popularity in the early 1900s, especially in silent films? Without dialogue, actors had to perfect this look!
- Its root is in the phrase “come hither,” which means “come here” in Middle English.
Humor-Filled Quote:
“She didn’t say a word, but her eyes screamed, ‘come-hither.’ Or maybe it was ‘I lost my contact lens,’ still undecided.” – Chuck Fullajokes
Proverb:
“Eyes are windows to the soul – often with the ‘come hither’ sign gently peeking out.”
References:
- Shakespeare’s “As You Like It”: “Come hither, come hither, come hither,” is from the song “Under the Greenwood Tree.”
- 1940s & 1950s: Hollywood stars like Marilyn Monroe and Lauren Bacall, known for their iconic come-hither looks.
Suggested Reading:
- Book: “Gone with the Wind” by Margaret Mitchell. Watch the intense eye-play between Scarlett and Rhett.
- Song: “Bette Davis Eyes” by Kim Carnes. Explores that irresistible gaze.
- Movie: “Casablanca.” Ingrid Bergman’s soulful glances are pure come-hither magic.
- Poetry: “She Walks in Beauty” by Lord Byron. Those “tender light” eyes.
### Which literary figure often used the term "hither"?
- [x] William Shakespeare
- [ ] J.K. Rowling
- [ ] Stephen King
- [ ] Mark Twain
> **Explanation:** William Shakespeare, the OG master of come-hither phrases, frequently used terms like "hither" in his plays.
### What’s a synonym for a “come-hither look”?
- [x] Bedroom eyes
- [ ] Cold shoulder
- [ ] Blank stare
- [ ] Deadpan expression
> **Explanation:** "Bedroom eyes" is a close synonym for the seductive, alluring look we’re talking about!
### True or False: The "come-hither look" was popularized before the 1900s.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** The phrase took off in the first half of the 1900s, seasoned by movies' seductive look innovation.
### Which Hollywood star was known for her come-hither look?
- [x] Marilyn Monroe
- [ ] Katherine Hepburn
- [ ] Charlie Chaplin
- [ ] Meryl Streep
> **Explanation:** Marilyn Monroe, with her sultry glances and iconic movies, was a poster-child for the come-hither look.
Farewell Thought:
Let your eyes do the talking today – but in a way that’s inviting and not questioning someone’s footwear. 😉
