This article is about proteans in body language. For other uses of the word, see proteus (disambiguation).

The term, or "Proteus effect", was coined by researchers at the Social Issues Research Centre in Oxford, UK who were studying courtship behavior.

The researchers named the ritual for the shape-shifting Greek god because of the ambiguity of the signals. The name also suggests a first impression, or something that precedes actual flirting. Because of the unconscious nature of proteans, they are not overt invitations to proceed, but more akin to "tells" in a poker game.

These signals often indicate that the sender is trying to decide whether he/she is interested in the "receiver". However, some men, instead of playing along, will overestimate the woman's interest and do something more obvious, like asking for a phone number. This can be clumsy and confusing to both parties, and understanding the concept of protean signals is useful for avoiding such missteps.

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