noun

femme fatale

fam fuh-TAHL

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Femme fatale (noun) means a glamorous and mysterious woman who uses her charm to draw men into danger, ruin or disgrace, especially as a stock character in novels and films. Example: “Barbara Stanwyck plays the classic femme fatale, all cigarette smoke and bad intentions.”

noun

A glamorous and mysterious woman who uses her charm to draw men into danger, ruin or disgrace, especially as a stock character in novels and films.

"Barbara Stanwyck plays the classic femme fatale, all cigarette smoke and bad intentions."

"The plot turns on a femme fatale who is never quite telling the truth."

Any woman regarded as dangerously alluring or as trouble for those who fall for her.

"The tabloids cast her as the femme fatale of the whole affair."

How to use femme fatale

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA beautiful woman in a story who leads men into trouble.

When to use it

Neutral in film and literary criticism, where it names a recognised character type. Applied to a real person it can sound dated or dismissive, since it puts the blame on her allure.

Memory tip

Keep the French pronunciation and the French plural: two such characters are femmes fatales, with the s on both words but silent in speech.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

homme fatal ingénue → vamp →

Common pairings

classic femme fatale film noir femme fatale play the femme fatale

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Barbara Stanwyck plays the classic _____, all cigarette smoke and bad intentions.

Etymology

A direct borrowing from French, literally 'fatal woman' or 'deadly woman'. The plural in careful use is femmes fatales.

Origin: French

Synonyms

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seductress siren enchantress temptress

Related words

alarm horn witch siren seduce enchantress seductress temptress

Rhymes for femme fatale

ale male sale pale gale tale kale vale dale Yale bale hale

See all rhymes for femme fatale →

Frequently asked questions

What does femme fatale literally mean?

It is French for fatal or deadly woman. The phrase entered English as a label for a character whose attractiveness proves disastrous for the men drawn to her.

What is the male equivalent of a femme fatale?

The usual term is homme fatal, though it is far rarer and often explained when used. English writers more often reach for descriptions such as a dangerous charmer or a seductive villain.

Is femme fatale an insult?

It is neutral when describing a character in film noir or a novel, where it names a recognised type. Used of a real woman it tends to carry judgement, implying she deliberately misleads men.

What is the meaning of femme fatale?

"femme fatale" (noun) means a glamorous and mysterious woman who uses her charm to draw men into danger, ruin or disgrace, especially as a stock character in novels and films.

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