Cuckold
/ˈkʌk.əld/noun
A man whose wife is unfaithful.
Did you know?The term 'cuckold' originally referred to the cuckoo bird, known for laying its eggs in other birds' nests, symbolizing betrayal and deception in relationships.
Etymological Timeline
Old French
Old French
cucul
“A term for a cuckoo, associated with infidelity.”
Middle English
Middle English
cucold
“A term for a man whose wife has been unfaithful.”
15th Century
English
cuckold
“Used to describe a man whose wife is unfaithful, invoking themes of deception.”
16th Century
English
cuckolded
“The state of being a cuckold, often used in literature to explore themes of betrayal.”
Modern English
English
cuckold
“Continues to denote a man whose partner is unfaithful, with deep social and psychological implications.”