What Does the Slang Term “Cougar” Mean?

The term “cougar” has taken on a unique meaning in contemporary slang. Far from just referring to a large wild cat, the word now alludes to a type of relationship dynamic. This reference will look into this word’s meaning and its modern usage, along with the reception of the term.

Cougar Slang Meaning and Origin

What Does Cougar Mean?

It is a slang term used to describe an older woman who is romantically interested in younger men. In this context, the term is often used to suggest that the woman is aggressive or predatory in her pursuit of younger partners.

Cougar Meaning
Cougar Meaning – Created by 7ESL

A cougar generally describes a middle-aged woman, typically in her 40s, seeking a romantic or sexual relationship with a younger man. It is worth noting that while the word “cougar” might seem like an insult, it is usually not used in a derogatory manner. Instead, it highlights the woman’s confidence and appeal to younger men.

Origin and Context of Cougar

The term “cougar” was initially coined in 1974 by a sociologist to describe a 50+ year-old man’s sexual relations with an 18-25-year-old woman. Over time, the meaning shifted to refer to older women pursuing younger men, becoming widely recognized and used in its current context.

The word “cougar” itself is derived from the Latin word “cuguar,” which means “gray wolf.” Initially, the term was used to refer solely to the predatory species of animals, but over time it has embraced additional meanings, particularly in the context of dating and relationships.

Slang Terms Related to Cougar

The term cougar has spawned an array of related terms and slang expressions, some of which reflect the various perspectives and connotations associated with the concept of a cougar.

Puma is a term sometimes used to describe a younger version of a cougar, often referring to women in their late 20s or early 30s who are attracted to younger men. This term implies that these women are still in their prime years, yet display some predatory tendencies similar to that of cougars.

Another slang term is manther, which is a male counterpart of a cougar. This term refers to an older man who is attracted to or involved with younger women. While the term cougar often carries positive implications of being sexy and confident, manther generally conveys a more negative and predatory image.

In the slang vocabulary, there are also terms like gerbilsue, and saber tooth. A gerbil refers to a young man who is attracted to or pursued by cougars, maintaining the prey and predator analogy. The term sue, on the other hand, represents an older woman who desires a younger man but is not as predatory as a cougar. Lastly, a saber tooth is an even older woman who seeks relationships with much younger men, thereby taking the cougar concept to a higher level.

Using Cougar in Conversations, Messages, and Social Media Posts

Conversation

In a casual conversation, people might use the term “cougar” to describe an older woman who is interested in dating younger men. This term can be used in a neutral or positive way, emphasizing the woman’s confidence and allure.

Example conversation:

  • A: “Hey, did you hear about Jane? She’s dating a guy a decade younger than her.”
  • B: “Really? Looks like she’s embracing her cougar status, huh?”
  • A: “Yeah, she seems really happy and confident with her new boyfriend.”

Texting

In a texting scenario, individuals may use the term “cougar” as a shorthand to convey the concept of an older woman seeking a younger partner. The term can be utilized effectively in both serious and light-hearted discussions.

Example text exchange:

  • Person 1: “My coworker is such a cougar. She always talks about the young guys she’s into.”
  • Person 2: “Haha, good for her. As long as she’s having fun and being safe.”

Social Posts

On social media, the term “cougar” may appear in various contexts, such as hashtags, captions, or comments. This usage can serve to celebrate or critique the concept of older women pursuing younger men, depending on the tone and intention of the post.

Example social media post:

  • User: “Had a great time at the cougar-themed party last night! ???????? #cougarnation #youngerboyfriend”

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