Where Does the Term "Cougar" Come From?

Urbandictionary.com defines a cougar as a female who is in her 30's and older and is in her sexual prime who prefers to hunt than be hunted. This lady is described to frequent clubs in her search for a man, whom she prefers to be much younger and willing to have fun, in any way.

A cougar is further depicted to come in different sizes and forms: from the overly surgically enhanced ladies, to a sad and rather chunky woman, to a real hot, gorgeous mama.

Many might wonder why the word cougar has been introduced to label these ladies. If it is referring to the perceived aggressive behavior of these ladies in finding their prey, then why did they not use the terms tiger or lion? The lioness is often glorified for its hunting prowess. The lioness is an excellent hunter and is able to execute her skills with clockwork precision.

Wikipedia does not describe the female cougars (the animal) with features that mean to depict an extra-aggressive tendency towards their prey. They are actually defined as the only parent involved in parenting the kittens. They mother their little ones well and are fiercely protective. Although polygamy is possible, the female cougar can sometimes be monogamous. The male cougar is directly pictured as polygamous and is able to breed a large number of females. He even usually attempts to maintain exclusive breeding rights with females within the area.

Some blogs say that the use of the word cougar to describe women has a negative connotation. It comes across as unflattering because it suggests that these ladies are unhappy and are quick to pounce on any young male specie that comes their way.

There are some, however, who think otherwise. Actually MSNBC.com did an article on this, and the female writer tried to bring others to a different perspective. She attempted to change the impression being given to this now famous term.

The article said that it should actually empower women and not judge them. Its definition of cougar is different. A cougar is a woman who is proud of her choice of status and has maintained her looks and self-worth. She is confident of her body, even if it changes through the years.

Furthermore, the writer commended cougars because these ladies understand happiness, the know what they like and "can put the odds in their favor".

Interestingly, the article asserted that cougars do attract young men, but it is the men who are doing the chasing.

In Hollywood, long before the term cougar was born, Susan Sarandon was quite famous for her relationship with Tim Robbins who is 12 years her junior. They met in 1988, which means that they have been together for 20 years. Now, they are considered one of the famous couples with the lady being called as a certified cougar.

Demi Moore, another known actress is married to Ashton Kutcher since 2005. They met in 2003 and appears to have a happy life together. Demi, who is 16 years older then Ashton, appeared on the movie "The Scarlet Letter"; but these days, when people look at her they seem to find the letter C etched on her forehead. They say she is perfect cougar icon -famous and still hot, yet wanting to always look young.

Dirty Old Men, Lolita, boy toy, sugar daddy, chickenhawk. Just like these terms, the word cougar had been coined to describe people who are in relationships that are considered strange by others because of age disparity. Do you think its offensive?