cow eyes en · NOUN
Etymology
From the appearance of a cow's eyes.
Meanings
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(US, informal, plural, plural-only) A wide-eyed expression meant to discreetly signal otherwise unstated romantic attraction to the one it is directed at.
"What makes you think I am worried about Lucas?" "All you ever do is make cow eyes at him ..."
2013, Caroline B. Cooney, An April Love Story, Open Road Media, page 122:"... 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."
2001, David Weber, John Ringo, March Upcountry, Baen Books, page 272:"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.
2011, Ruth Jean Dale, Kimberly Raye, One in a Million & Love, Texas Stlye, Harlequin, page 173:
Deriveds
v. · to make cow eyes · adj. · cow-eyed
Synonyms
sheep's eye · the equivalent in British English
Translations (4)
pl pożądliwe spojrzenie (a secretive, pining look, or humble doting glance) · ru влюблённый взор (a secretive, pining look, or humble doting glance) · fi kaihoisa katse (a secretive, pining look, or humble doting glance) · it occhi vitulini (a secretive, pining look, or humble doting glance)