cougar
cougar Lexical Profile
cougar Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A large, powerful, unspotted feline (Puma concolor) native to the Americas, characterized by a tawny coat, a long tail, and exceptional leaping ability.
"The park rangers warned hikers to stay on the designated trails after a cougar was spotted prowling near the campground."
An older woman who actively seeks out romantic or sexual relationships with significantly younger men.
"The television series follows a wealthy cougar navigating the dating scene as she pursues men half her age."
Word Nuance & Usage
In informal contexts, 'cougar' frequently refers to an older woman seeking relationships with younger men, a usage that can act as a register trap due to its colloquial and occasionally pejorative connotations.
• Rhymes for cougar
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from the mid-18th century French 'cougouar', which originated from the Portuguese 'çuguart', itself a misreading of the Tupi word 'suassuarana' (meaning 'similar to a deer', referring to its coat color).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.