cow eyes

English

Etymology

From the appearance of a cow's eyes.

Noun

cow eyes pl (plural only)

1. (US, informal) A wide-eyed expression meant to discreetly signal otherwise unstated romantic attraction to the one it is directed at.
   • 2001, David Weber, John Ringo, March Upcountry, Baen Books, page 272:

     "... And you were making cow eyes at him, snotty attitude and all."
     "I was not making cow eyes at him," Despreaux insisted firmly.
     "Call it what you want, girl," the older woman said with a grin. "I call it cow eyes."

   • 2011, Ruth Jean Dale, Kimberly Raye, One in a Million & Love, Texas Stlye‎^[1], Harlequin, page 173:

     "Cow eyes?" Brett's gaze shot to Suzanne. "You were making cow eyes at me?" Not that he knew what cow eyes were, but from the fierceness of Mama Jessup's expression and the way Suzanne blushed, cow eyes definitely counted as the non-contact version of a butt squeeze.

   • 2013, Caroline B. Cooney, An April Love Story‎^[2], Open Road Media, page 122:

     "What makes you think I am worried about Lucas?"
     "All you ever do is make cow eyes at him ..."

Usage notes

Used almost exclusively to describe this expression when made by a woman, and much more often by other women than men. Often carries the sense that this is mildly shameful.

Synonyms

• sheep's eye, the equivalent in British English.

Derived terms

• to make cow eyes, v.
• cow-eyed, adj.

Translations

a secretive, pining look, or humble doting glance

• Finnish: kaihoisa katse
• Italian: occhi vitulini m pl
• Russian: влюблённый взор m (vljubljónnyj vzor), гла́зки (ru) m or pl (glázki) (a flirting look, lit.: "little eyes")

References

• [3] Speaking of Animals: A Dictionary of Animal Metaphors