Siren Song
/ˈsaɪərən sɔŋ/noun
An alluring but dangerous temptation or appeal.
Did you know?In Homer’s Odyssey, the Sirens do not physically attack sailors; their supernatural power lies in irresistible knowledge and seductive song, making “siren song” a metaphor for fatal temptation.
Etymological Timeline
8th–7th Century BCE
Ancient Greek
Seirēnes
“The Sirens, mythical creatures whose song lured sailors to ruin”
8th Century BCE
Ancient Greek
Seirēn
“A Siren; a dangerous, enchanting female figure associated with seductive song”
1st Century BCE
Latin
siren
“A Siren or seductive, perilous creature borrowed from Greek”
Old English
Old English
sang
“Song, singing, or a piece of vocal music; from Proto-Germanic *sangwō”
14th Century
English
siren
“A seductive or dangerous woman, later also a warning device producing a loud sound”
19th Century
English
siren song
“A tempting appeal, especially one whose apparent beauty conceals danger”
Modern English
English
siren song
“A compelling but deceptive or harmful temptation”