CHARM (attractive quality)
NOUNS
► FAVOUR charm, an attraction; that which conciliates affection or goodwill; attractiveness, comeliness, beauty → c1300 obs. exc. arch.
► MAGNETISM personal charm; an attractive power or influence → M17
► OLD OIL insincere charm; flattery → M19 US sl.
► TAKE charm, ‘taking’ or captivating quality → 1794
► VENUS 1. a charm, grace, or attractive feature; a quality or characteristic that excites love → 1540 obs.
2. charm, beauty → 1657 obs.
NOUNS – PERSON
► MAC ► MACK ► MAQUE a person who tries to charm a member of the opposite sex with seductive words; a successful seducer → 1990s African-American sl.
VERBS
► EFFASCINATE to charm, bewitch, enchant → 1616 obs.
► MOJO to charm or jinx → 1966 Amer. dial.
► SIRENIZE to charm or delight; to allure or enchant → 1584
► SMOODGE ► SMOOGE to charm someone; to win someone around → 1940 Aust. sl.
► TALK BUSINESS to charm, to seduce → 1960s African-American sl.
► WORK to exert one’s charm, power, persuasiveness, etc., esp. on an audience; to manipulate → 1851 Amer. sl.