Cougar

What is a cougar when dating?

A woman in her late 30s to early 50s who dates younger men

A "cougar" is an older woman who prefers dating significantly younger men. Often in their late 30s to early 50s, cougars are commonly seen at social venues like clubs, where they seek youthful energy and adventurous experiences. The term "cougar" implies a proactive and confident personality in romantic pursuits, reversing typical age-related dating norms.

Originating in the early 2000s, the term gained popularity through TV shows and media portrayals. While some view the term as empowering, representing independence and assertiveness, others perceive it as a stereotype with potential ageist connotations.

Example

did you see who jake's dating now?
yeah, she's a total cougar!

Cougars realizing they are cougars

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Updated July 16, 2026

Cougar definition by Slang.net - The Slang Dictionary

This page explains what the slang term "Cougar" means. The definition, example, and related terms listed above have been manually compiled and written by the Slang.net team.

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