This is going to be a bit of a tricky clue, and it is showing more false bashfulness. Coming from the May 27, 2025, edition of the NYT Crossword puzzle, this clue is looking for a five-letter word for the across section. We’re looking for a word that is close to the term of being bashful.
What is it to show some bashfulness
The word we are looking for is coy, but the answer to the puzzle is the word COYER. Coyer is an adjective use of coy, but they mean the same. Coy means to show a level of shyness and modesty but at the same time having an action of being alluring. Basically, a person is acting shy just to look cute and get some attention.
That also connects to the clue “showing more false”, so to be coy is to pretend to be shy. It’s something that some people do to get what they want. “She’s being coy about it”, which his a good example of the usage.
