Something used to divert attention form the real matter, issue or object(a dead red herring was often used to confuse or test the scent of a hunting dog)
In novels, usually mystery novels, a "red herring" is an extraneous character meant to divert the reader's attention from the true killer/robber/etc. It is usually a logical choice for the culprit, but ends up being nothing.
Herrings put into a tub with salt or brine, later spitted on sharp wooden spits, and hung up in a chimney to be smoked and dried. Such preserved fish would keep for months (and indeed they were transported in barrels to provide protein on long sea voyages) but were inedible in this state and needed to be soaked to soften them and remove the salt before they could be cooked.
Do I smell a rat?
One key characteristic of red herrings, apart from their colour, was their strong smell, so much so that one use for them on occasion was to train hounds to follow a scent.
A female "A Player," who is generally difficult to get a hold of or is always engaged in outlandish or extremely fun activities. This person would be very unlikely to respond to text messages or phone calls in a timely manner as she is most likely at EDC, hanging with Ludacris, or otherwise engaged in a pool party of some kind. Generally these females are extremely attractive and know it.
God this chick is such an Outlander (referring to a female). She texts me back 3 days later with a full response like its normal.