There isn't one universally accepted term for a man who prefers to date significantly younger women, unlike the term "cougar" for women who date younger men. However, several terms are used, often informally and sometimes with negative connotations. One commonly used term is "manther," a portmanteau of "man" and "cougar," directly mirroring the term for women. This term, while gaining traction online, is not as widely recognized as "cougar."
The lack of a single, widely accepted term highlights the societal double standard in how these relationships are perceived. While "cougar" is relatively common, the male equivalent lacks the same established cultural recognition. This difference in terminology may reflect broader societal expectations and biases concerning age and gender in relationships.
The video mentioned ("Calling All Manthers! Men Who Only Date Younger Women Have a Name!") further emphasizes this naming gap, implying the need for a more established term for men who prefer younger partners. Various online discussions, such as those found on Reddit (r/answers, r/NoStupidQuestions) and Quora, further illustrate the ongoing debate and lack of consensus on a definitive label. Some may use less formal, and sometimes derogatory, terms instead of "manther."
Some other less frequently used terms include terms that imply the man is exploiting the age difference, which should be avoided as they are inherently biased and judgemental.
