PUMA

What Does PUMA Mean in a Text?

PUMA is a term used to describe a woman in her 30s who likes to date or have sexual relationships with younger men. The word PUMA tends not to be used in a derogatory way. In fact, it carries a connotation of the woman being sexy, if a little predatory

The term PUMA should not be confused with COUGAR, which describes a woman in her 40s seeking sexual relationships with younger men (or even JAGUAR, which describes women who are 50+).

PUMA is one of several animal-related terms that have emerged to describe the age difference between male and female partners. For example:

Image for PUMA

When I write PUMA, I mean this:

meaning of PUMA

The image shows a woman in her 30s ("Puma") with a younger man.

Summary of Key Points

"Woman who dates younger men" is the most common definition for PUMA on Snapchat, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
PUMA
Definition:Woman who dates younger men
Type:Slang Word (Jargon)
Guessability:guessability level 2
2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:typical user

Adults

Examples of PUMA in Sentences

Here are examples of PUMA being used in conversations:
  • Charlie: Check out the cougar over there. She is eyeing up those university guys.
  • Jordan: She's not a cougar. She must only be in her early thirties. That makes her a PUMA!
  • Charlie: Isn't your date a bit young for you?
  • Jordan: I believe it is called being a PUMA, darling. You should try it!

An Academic Look at PUMA

The word PUMA typically plays the role of a noun, but it is occasionally seen as an adjective. For example:
  • Melanie is a right PUMA!
  • (Here, PUMA is a noun.)
  • You need some PUMA loving, bro.
  • (Although rare, PUMA can also be used as an adjective.)

What Did We Say before Texting and Social Media?

Before the digital era, we might have said something like "Mrs Jones" or "cradle snatcher" instead of PUMA.

Example of PUMA Used in a Text

PUMA
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