Cougar. I have come to hate the word. It's like nails on a chalkboard to me, but yesterday I ran across the most egregious use of the word, so far.
The term, when used in its original context is annoying enough. But, I can handle it with it refers to women over 40 with a prurient and predatory interest in men in their 20s. I find it annoying when it is applied to any woman dating a younger man, no matter who small age difference. Referring to Eva Longoria as a cougar when she started dating Tony Parker (7 year age difference) was eye roll inducing. Seriously, she was what, 32, when they got married? Cougar? I think not.
Referring to any single woman over 40 as cougar is offensive (from my perspective as a single woman over 40). However, calling 20 year old Taylor Swift a cougar for dating 18 year old Taylor Lautner is ridiculous. Yes, you read that correctly, in issue #1082/1083 - December 25, 2009/January 1, 2010 (double issue) Entertainment Weekly deemed Taylor Swift "the cougar in the relationship" when discussing the two Taylors relationship. {Yes, I know, old news - I'm behind on my reading.}
Deeming a 20 year old a cougar is a pretty good indication that it's time to retire this stupid term.
About Me
- KB
- Houston, Texas, United States
- I grew up moving around a lot and loving (almost) every minute of it, which might explain my slightly skewed view of the world. I hope you find at least some of my navel gazing here entertaining.
1 comment:
Did you hear the new label "they" are trying to put out there for guys over 40 who prefer to date significantly younger women? Manthers...I guess cradle-robber and dirty old man is overly descriptive?
I'm not cougar material either since I have no patience for dealing with "cubs."
Maybe "Shaguar" or "Cheetah" would be more appropriate -- if one must identify with a member of the large cat family -- for those of us over 40 who prefer to date men close to our own age or older?
Post a Comment