Wait, are we embracing the term 'cougar'?

SweetViolet Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 04:00 AM EST

The term "cougar" is pejorative and insulting. It casts women who are involved with younger men into the role of conscienceless predators when the truth is very often quite different. I wrote an article for Orato.com about this last year. Here's the text from my blog: http://sweetvioletsa.blogspot.com/2007/12/what-is-all-this-cougar-bs.html

Hugh Fri, Aug 22, 2008 at 04:46 PM EST

If you like dirty old cougars, check out my site. its dedicated to outing and embarrasing those old pathetic women, here's a sample of my work

http://www.yournobody.com/2008/08/19/you-must-be-poor-rich-guys-dont-date-women-their-age/

elle Tue, Aug 5, 2008 at 01:02 PM EST

For once and for all, and let's not get it twisted, a cougar is any woman dating a man young enough to be her son. If you are simply older than your man by a decade, by five years, or three, you are NOT a cougar. Just because you're over 35 does not make you a cougar. Unless you're dating a 15 year old (not recommended), you are NOT a cougar.

Cougar was meant to be a derogatory term. The male equivalents are dirty old man or sugar daddy. Cougars go on the prowl specifically for men who are young enough to be their sons (20 years younger). If you are fifty and have a taste for 25 years olds, and actively go out searching for 25 year olds with which to have a lot of sex and nothing more, you're a cougar.

Cougar, n., derogatory. Chick old enough to be a guy's mom prowling for dudes to use for her selfish sexual gratification. Not to be confused with women dating men that just happen to be younger.

Michelle Sat, Jun 7, 2008 at 01:26 PM EST

I can't stand that he is dating caldwell. I think I lost respect for David Cook. She is so D list compared to his A list status. Very, very bad PR move for him. Pick someone with real class Cook. Not a chick who has been banged by at least 10 former contestants.

To WildKAT Wed, May 28, 2008 at 03:17 PM EST

Great post. You beautifully stated exactly what I think about David Cook. He's amazing. Or as my Mom would say, he's the cat's pajamas!

Squirrelly Wed, May 28, 2008 at 12:01 PM EST

Well, now we know that DC likes blond forks. She's not what I expected of DC, and I think she may not be on the same intellectual level as DC. I've never liked her, didn't care for her singing, and I don't understand why she has to talk so loud all the time...like she's bossy or something. I feel like I'm being yelled at when I listen to her on the idol tonight show, etc. She made a comment when asked about going out with DC "as long as he can afford to pay the bill" and that makes me think she's after money. Just not impressed...DC said he had a good time on their date, so maybe brains isn't what he is looking for...I still love his music, though. Hard to turn on the tv and see her face everywhere, and I wonder if the timing of the "date" was for media purposes.

To TD Wed, May 28, 2008 at 09:53 AM EST

The 20 somethings may be waiting for him..but YOU don't know his taste in women! He may like ALL ages..Look at Ashton and Demi ( just one example out of THOUSANDS! ) A LOT of younger men like older women,,in fact they LUST after them...and by they way, age is only a state of mind..Madonna is almost 50..her husband is younger ( in fact, I can't think of many men who would say no to some of these women ) Kim Kattral ( sp ) Julia Roberts ( 40 ) Michelle Pfeiffer ( 50 ) the list goes on and on.Older women, on the whole, have more to offer an intelligent man.I guess the old standard is here, o.k. for men and gross for women...

T Dee Wed, May 28, 2008 at 02:31 AM EST

David can date who ever he feels like but i do agree with the people that say the 20 somethings are waiting for him not the 30,40,45 no people he is only a young adult.

Congrats Cookie Tue, May 27, 2008 at 08:26 PM EST

Well, congratulations David Cook!!!!Not only have you been crowned American Idol, but within the first week you have already bagged your first holeywood, oops I mean HOLLYWOOD bimbo! Way to go1 Don't get confused and think that they are NICE girls...they just like the flavor of the moment ( and you are lick-a-licious )It was funny that you said that you weren't familiar with her music. ( neither is anyone else! )I believe a few weeks back she was going on about Archie ( good thing he didn't have to face that..he would think all women had 2 sets of teeth!) Love'em and leave 'em and have a great time....Just use iro-clad protection. See you on TMZ and in page 6!

JJ Tue, May 27, 2008 at 07:05 PM EST

I'm not sure age will matter to David Cook....I think its more important to be .......SMART!!!!! He ain't no dummy..

You're right Tue, May 27, 2008 at 05:57 PM EST

... Cook doens't NEED the Cougars - but I'd PAY to see some hot Cougars and some lithe 20-somethings fight over him. Ripping clothes, pulling hair, wrestling each other to the groud. WHOOO FAAHH!!

Tue, May 27, 2008 at 05:32 PM EST

David doesn't need a cougar, he has all the 20 somethings ready willing and able and seriously I can see him dating my daughters but not my girlfriends LOL.

No Name Tue, May 27, 2008 at 05:16 PM EST

I'd say there's no equivalent male label for the female "Cougar" for obvious reasons - women mature faster than men and men are (or have been...) more superficial than women, and women are usually looking for more than just sex in relationships. Hence, women would rarely spend serious time thinking about younger men, as, at least intellectually, they'd have little in common. Though it certainly seems like this is changing. Women seem much more comfortable these days not being ashamed of wanting \ having \ keeping a "boy toy". As a 49 year old single man, I am of two minds on this. One side likes that women are being more openly sexual. The other side feels a bit cheated that many 40 year old women on dating sites now are looking ONLY for younger men. On the OTHER other hand, I LOVE that women describe their now-open lust in "drooling" terms!! Slurp slurp!!

MXD Tue, May 27, 2008 at 05:09 PM EST

To CheriePie - MILF and Cougar have two completely differnet meanings. Though, I suppose, if you consider YOURSELF a MILF, then you could also be a Cougar, though "MILF" does not infer any desire on the woman's part, whereas "Cougar" certainly does. So... which are YOU??

carrie Tue, May 27, 2008 at 05:03 PM EST

i am 47 year old women i think david is very sexy everthing about him is his looks and personally the way he looks incrediable

Dee Tue, May 27, 2008 at 02:32 PM EST

The term Cougar is condescending. I agree with the posters who say we don't have labels for older men who date younger women. Ok, except maybe Old Geezer ;)

Tue, May 27, 2008 at 01:51 PM EST

Kimberly Caldwell Please...She has been banged more than my screen door.
David, You Can Do Better!!!

Cook's First Date in Months LOL Tue, May 27, 2008 at 12:53 PM EST

Just heard on regis this morning he has his first date with Kimberly Caldwell, AI season 2 contestant and current AI Host on TV Guide Channel and he is planning on going out with her again.....good for him

jm likes the way David cooks Tue, May 27, 2008 at 12:43 PM EST

Good. Lord. David Cook is just lovely(sigh). The legs, the attitude, the very brief - tastefully done - glimpse of brief-clad bottom. I tell you, that Guitar Hero commercial should stay in heavy rotation (esp during woman-friendly shows like ER, Gray's, House, Desperate Housewives, you name it): it almost has me convinced to buy the damn product, and I don't even want it!

GingerCat Tue, May 27, 2008 at 12:06 PM EST

Hate, hate, hate the term "cougar." We don't have a special name for men who date younger women, so why do we need one for women who date younger men? Who cares how old someone is if you're attracted to each other? Why are we always dividing women into categories and giving them labels?
Also, I'm 36 and don't care about David Cook one way or the other. I no longer watch AI, and don't think any conclusions about the general populace can be drawn from the AI audience.
Finally, on the older woman/younger man front, Margeaux Watson (in the current EW) deserves a hand slap for referring to Usher and Chilli's relationship as "May/December" because she's seven years older. Would she refer to it that way if the sexes were reversed? No, she would not. Welcome to the 21st century, Margeaux.

WildKAT Tue, May 27, 2008 at 10:44 AM EST

Geez folks, the COUGAR is his SCHOOL MASCOT. Relax. To this older woman David Cook is sooo magnetic. He reanimates the long lost feeling of seeing a REAL man. Cook is not a namby pamby metrosexual freak. Nor one of those jerks with beer bellies, bald heads, overblown egos or a creep in a "jailing" hip hop costume. We "GET" Cook's vibes: Comfortable in his own skin, caring, smart, classy, humble, decent and a humanitarian. He is an Original and the REAL DEAL in talent. Plus, Cook is a very hot looking guy with refined features and a riveting, seductive gaze. He is intelligent and articulate. No grunts and macho pig "attitude". His solid sense of self is also what is lacking in guys in today's sissified American men. I can almost smell David's sexy pheromones through the TV screen. That's what women like in their men. Yes, I am a rock and roll "Cookie Mumster" who loves the dude without lusting after him. Rock On David. American Idol 2008. We got it right this time. Thanks America!

CheriePie Tue, May 27, 2008 at 10:43 AM EST

I actually prefer the term MILF to Cougar...even thou I don't mind devouring some young (over 25) sexy guy...the term Cougar makes me picture women over 60...straight out of some 60's era movie for some reason. At 43, I still look much younger and feel much younger.

Big Bertha Tue, May 27, 2008 at 10:40 AM EST

Breakfast Cookie. I agree with you 100% You are right on the money!!

Breakfast Cookie Tue, May 27, 2008 at 10:35 AM EST

Well, I know for a fact that I am not crazy about the title of cougar. I don't look at David Cook as prey.What I do see is an extremely attractive young man, who looks great in his underwear, can sing a bird off the wire, and is educated and articulate on top of it. In one interview, he was asked how he felt about his 'Horney Housewife" brigade of fans, and he said " Bring 'em on!!!"Well, at least we know he appreciates a mature woman.But I am not crazy about being called that either. I think that we need to come up with something a bit better, that doesn't sound so derogatory. Maybe we should just be ' Ladies in The Know".....since we are experienced with a LOT more than these younger chickies are..What do you think?

Gloria Maxwell Tue, May 27, 2008 at 10:31 AM EST

Not a Cougar-just a FAN. iam agrandmother and a Great Grandmother aOneof my geat grandsons is 19 years old. I would be very proud and happy if David Cook was one of this group. I adore him and think he will be one of the great vocalists.

bpjinmpls Mon, May 26, 2008 at 07:26 PM EST

I'm thrilled to know that women in their prime (35+) are now freer than ever to oggle, lust after, date, marry, crush on, whatever men as young as 21 but I do bristle at the term cougar. Men have been free to go after younger women forever and I'm pretty sure all we call them is 'men.' Having said that I do think David Cook is darling (I'm 44) and I also think Jason Castro is delicious. Ladies, go for it, I think this is progress.

watch Mon, May 26, 2008 at 03:41 PM EST

He'll start dating some 17 year old just to dispel the cougar rumors. Cougar isn't a nice term. Let's not embrace it. How about attractive woman?

MAH Mon, May 26, 2008 at 12:12 PM EST

I'm from the same hometown as David Cook. He went to Blue Springs South High School and...the mascot is the Cougars. Perhaps everyone here is making a mountain out of a molehill. Maybe the "Cougars 4 Cook" sign was only a shout out to all the Blue Spring South HS Cougars who are Cook fans.

Tracie Mon, May 26, 2008 at 07:59 AM EST

First time I heard the term Cougar was on "HIMYM", in reference to Jane Seymour. I would much rather be thought of as a Cougar than a "MILF"! Luckily my husband is fine with my AI boyfriend (as well as my newscaster boyfriend, Movie star boyfriend, etc.). He even is asking if he should buy tickets for the tour so I can see Cook!

Mary Sun, May 25, 2008 at 03:40 PM EST

I personally don't care what you call it -- this over 50 woman thinks this guy is not only "hot", he's an articulate,genuine and caring individual who showed on the finale that he cares alot about his fellow contestants ( and it was evident that they also respected him) as he sang the winner's song. Good luck, David Cook -- I will be the first in line to buy your CD.

Lara Sat, May 24, 2008 at 11:17 PM EST

Whatever the term is this month I am glad that the rest of the world is starting to appreciate the over 35 crowd. In the last few years people have really started to look great as they get older. Some even better than when they were in their 20s!

annie Sat, May 24, 2008 at 10:09 AM EST

I am a 51 year old cougar and proud of it but I have to say, does anyone care how David Cook feels about the link to cougars. I voted for him and cried happy tears when he won, but somehow I think waaaaay to much is being said about the cougar angle. David is ready to take the title and the contracts and get on with his career. Let's let him. I for one will be happy to buy his first CD when it comes out and the sooner the better.

Aries Sat, May 24, 2008 at 10:01 AM EST

Mandi, this is a great article. You really hit the nail on the head. I don't care about what a "cougar" means. I'm just a divorced 58 year old woman who realized that she is not dead yet. This attractive, intelligent, and genuine man -- and his music -- made me feel more alive than I have in years. And yes, we baby boomers can stay up late and vote like mad! See you when you return home to the KC metro, David Cook! Rockin' in Roeland Park, KS

DCnMe Fri, May 23, 2008 at 08:42 PM EST

For the record, a woman who is in her 40's and dating men in their 20's is referred to as a cougar. A woman who is in her 30's and dating men in their 20's is referred to as Puma. Don't age yourselves, girls! Also for the record, DC is the HOTTEST thing to cross a TV screen EVER You could call me a fat tabby cat if it meant I could get within grabbing distance of that man!

Shannon Fri, May 23, 2008 at 03:55 PM EST

At 37, I've never watched American Idol, so I have no clue of whom you're speaking. Considering that I do look younger than I am and the fact that I am often in the midst of conversations of those much younger than I and trust me ladies, those younger guys & girls are NOT using the term in any way endearing. I just soak it up silently, already aware of which 20 somethings will not age as fortunately & will all too soon regret making fun of older women. That's probably my only reason for being offended by the term; that & the fact that cougars are large, powerful cats on the edge of extinction...just doesn't scream "compliment" to me :)

Mary in TX Fri, May 23, 2008 at 03:36 PM EST

I'm an early 40s woman, and I HATE the term "cougar." It makes me think of the word "chickenhawk;" i.e. a predator swooping in on young prey.

abercrombie12343412 Fri, May 23, 2008 at 03:08 PM EST

i luv your outfits david cook i luv u baby

Anonymous Fri, May 23, 2008 at 03:07 PM EST

For your information I'm not a wanna be cougar...I am a cougar...a 35 year old hot milf dating a 25 year old sexy as hell man sooooo, go somewhere where you are wanted. um maybe to the I have nothing better to do than sit on the internet and get off reading about womens fantasies post or something...loser.

Lint_Licker Fri, May 23, 2008 at 03:05 PM EST

Cialis? More of a Viagra fan personally. However, a full bottle of Viagra wouldn't be enough to make me touch a "Cougar for Cookie".

Lint_Licker Fri, May 23, 2008 at 03:03 PM EST

Dear Anonymous Wanna-be Cougar: In the words of Shakespeare, "Lady doth protest too much, methinks." PS: Where in the article did it say it was only meant for women? This ain't Cosmpolitan.

abercrombie 12343412 Fri, May 23, 2008 at 03:02 PM EST

i think david cook is really hooooot

d k Fri, May 23, 2008 at 03:01 PM EST

lint licker is trying to get a rise out of us because he can't get one himself- maybe cialis would help-

Anonymous Fri, May 23, 2008 at 02:53 PM EST

Um what are you doing on a post clearly meant for women anyway lint licker? Doesn't that make you a loser with a computer too?

Lauren Fri, May 23, 2008 at 02:52 PM EST

I'm 24, a year younger than Cook, and am totally in love. He's hot, deal with it. It's fun to have crushes on celebrities-- and he makes for a great choice! But I hope people don't disregard his Idol win as simply "cougars" (a term I do find amusing) lusting after him. He's incredibly talented, and I do think he will prove to be one of the best Idols ever.

Lint_Licker Fri, May 23, 2008 at 02:47 PM EST

LOL I do ok. At least I'm not lusting over reality TV people. PS: Real Cougar = Kim Cattrall on Sex in the City. Cougar for = Loser with a computer.

musicdweller Fri, May 23, 2008 at 02:46 PM EST

I'm not a cougar but I do love David Cook. You know what makes him so damn sexy? It's the humility and nerdiness and genuineness in his interviews. Damn. If only I could meet someone like that...

Cindy Fri, May 23, 2008 at 02:45 PM EST

I have a daughter 11, one 21, and I am 44. We were all memmorized and in love with DC. Cougar, kittens, I don't think it matters as far as the attraction DC has for all women.

to icky lint l Fri, May 23, 2008 at 02:42 PM EST

I bet you attract a lot of women with that kind of thinking - not.

Lint_Licker Fri, May 23, 2008 at 02:24 PM EST

We gotta make a distinction here. "Cougars" are older ladies that prey on younger men, sure, but they actually get to bag the guy. These fat bored housewives who obsess over Idol contestants that have no interest in them cannot be called "cougars". There's a better term for these creatures is Fat Fraus (see additional references: Claymates, Soul Patrol). That crazy frau talking about a "trail of spittle" doesn't realize how pathetic she sounds and her family should have a long talk with her. All self-proclaimed "Cougars for Cookie" are sad people.

EP Sato Fri, May 23, 2008 at 02:07 PM EST

Older Men (40+) who dig on younger women (20-30) are usually called: Divorced, creepy, "Old guy at the club" or former President Bill Clinton.

With the term "Cougar", it's a little different. A 20 year old guy is usually "game" for anything and won't ever claim to be taken advantage of by any woman, regardless of age. I don't see anything creepy there.

Can the same be said of a 20 year old woman who gets seduced by a guy old enough to be her dad?

Despite the perception that it's accepted, I think most folks find it kind of creepy when a wrinkly older guy dates a significantly younger woman. Hence the failure of movies like "Shop Girl" or that crapfest with Harrison Ford and Anne Heche.

People would have been grossed out if Carrie Underwood's win had been because 50 year old men were texting 300 times to ensure her victory.

kellyjp Fri, May 23, 2008 at 01:54 PM EST

I am 41 and single. Break me off a piece of that. I love the term Cougar it's sexy.

TK Fri, May 23, 2008 at 01:53 PM EST

Alright, I am not old enough to be a cougar (plus I think the term is stupid), but as a 28 year old can not stop thinking about how hot he is! For me the appeal is not only looks but the fact that he is a musician. I always fall in love with the guitar players. So I will fully admit that I have a pathetic school-girl crush on him!

Dee Fri, May 23, 2008 at 01:36 PM EST

How rude. Now older women are cougars if they like a younger men. So what are men called? I'm a little older and the only way I could see Cook is as a sister.

I like Cook because I love his singing and performance. He's the only one I can see dishing out money for a cd. I've never really seen Cook as a sex symbol. I hope girls his age do but I based my feelings mostly on a person's performance and singing. Just like I enjoy Elliott (who's not considered to some a looker) and Chris D.

Lovin Some Cookie Fri, May 23, 2008 at 01:31 PM EST

Well, I am 35 years old, married and have two beautiful girls...I would pounce on David Cook...I think for me it's the whole package,lol, what I mean is Cook is talented in so many ways that it makes me want to know him, personaly. He seems like the kind of guy you could go hang out with...catch a movie, have a few drinks with and well you know what that kind of night leads to....He is kind, and has a gentle spirit but he seems so mature for his age...I dated a guy that was his age before I got married again and he was the same way...Cook just hypnotizes you with those beautiful eyes and that perfect smile...I can see him now gazing longingly into my eyes....ok, wow, got a little side tracked there, woah...is it hot in here or is it just me? Anyway, I voted for Cookie 500 times Tuesday night and the only reason I stopped at 500 was because I literally fell asleep hitting redial, end redial, end, redial, end...He's amazing and I would give anything to meet him. I think he is beautiful!

Jayel Fri, May 23, 2008 at 01:02 PM EST

I'm female, 43, single, and socially active, and I don't embrace 'cougar' as a term or a concept. I don't see myself as predatory, even when I'm dating people younger than I am - I kind of gravitate toward guys who are smart and self-aware enough to not get lured or devoured unawares, regardless of their age. And it makes me sad and a little bit crazy that so many women find it empowering to be identified this way, a pussycat with teeth. Do guys of a certain age like being called 'wolves'? Do they find that flattering?
Identifying David C. as the cougar's choice is dismissive and demeaning to both him and his fan base, imo. But if he doesn't mind it and they don't, who am I to judge?

BoiseJen Fri, May 23, 2008 at 12:27 PM EST

Do you ever worry what if DC's mom is reading this forum, blush? I have a son of my own that people already fawn all over (I indulge in a bit of momma braggin'), and I can only imagine that I would be breaking out my armor plate at this point :)

Michelle Fri, May 23, 2008 at 12:05 PM EST

I'm in the Cougars for Cookie Camp! I can't believe he's that much younger than me...he really does strike me as someone in his early 30s... but that's more about maturity and the way he handles himself beyond his years than his looks. Darn it, he's so cute!

BoiseJen Fri, May 23, 2008 at 11:52 AM EST

MCM: "I wish I knew in my 20's what I know now, had the confidence, focus, etc. It's the fantasy of being able to transfer our fully developed selves back into a tighter more resilient body. Cool concept. Anyway, Cook's the perfect inspiration - multi-faceted, easy-going, smart, slightly wacky, hot, with a smile that lights up the world. Wanting to get next to that is natural..." You hit the nail on the head, sister.

jess Fri, May 23, 2008 at 11:51 AM EST

You like Tony Head? (that's what they call him, collaquially). Check out his appearance on the new Doctor Who, as a schoolheadmaster who is not how he appears. He takes Giles and turns it around, using all the sharpness and sense of humor. oh, and he was great as a grown-up playboy on another british show, manchild. I don't like instant coffe, but he can make it for me ANY TIME. rowar!

Tipper Fri, May 23, 2008 at 11:50 AM EST

It's better than "old maid". Just saying. By the by, you missed out some names on your GILF list. Isn't Michelle Pfeiffer, the supreme dame of hotness, 50? And I'm pretty sure Richard Dean Anderson is getting close to 60...

d k Fri, May 23, 2008 at 11:49 AM EST

I don't really like the term "cougar" it seems to imply a woman on the prowl. I have been called a milf by boys at the daughter's school, boy was I surprised when I found out what it means. That said, I am a happily married, conservative woman who does charity work. And I have happily spent the last 3 months completely crushing on David Cook. Would I actually want my fantasies fulfilled? Of course not. But there is something about the confident (not arrogant)way he looks in that the camera that seems to whisper, great sex. (actually, it whispers a few juicy details that are not appropriate for a public forum) Eww, I am turning into a creeper. Anyhow, watching DC on AI is my guilty pleasure.

birdgirl39 Fri, May 23, 2008 at 11:44 AM EST

I love being 43, and I love the term "Cougar". What an elegant way of descibing someone who is mature (but doesn't look it) and knows what she wants in life. Forget the little boys, but go after the intelligent (or not) 20-sometings!

MCM Fri, May 23, 2008 at 11:41 AM EST

I'm chagrined to say it, but I'm firmly in the "I'm a 43 YO happily married mom who would love to get a piece of Cook" camp. Not so sure about the term 'cougar' tho - it does imply predatory. I'm sure there are plenty of those out there, but for the vast majority of us it seems to come more from wanting to reclaim our youth as anything else. Men go through their mid-life crises, dumping the wife for a younger woman is a cliche. It's not so strange to think that older women have those urges too, we just don't act on them as often. Youth is wasted on the young, indeed. I wish I knew in my 20's what I know now, had the confidence, focus, etc. It's the fantasy of being able to transfer our fully developed selves back into a tighter more resilient body. Cool concept. Anyway, Cook's the perfect inspiration - multi-faceted, easy-going, smart, slightly wacky, hot, with a smile that lights up the world. Wanting to get next to that is natural, but to view him as a target? No, not a cougar.

Rose Tyler Fri, May 23, 2008 at 11:35 AM EST

I'd say the ultimate MILF is Nancy on Weeds. Hence the "product" named after her. And though my husband is a few years younger then me I'm usually attracted to much older men, Clint Eastwood, Donald Sutherland and Charlie Rose to name a few.

tess Fri, May 23, 2008 at 11:30 AM EST

I find the term couger hilarious, but maybe that's because I'm only 22 and don't fall into the category when it comes to David Cook.

BoiseJen Fri, May 23, 2008 at 11:16 AM EST

Yeah after gasping out my response e-mail, I realized that. One of the sure signs of NOT being 25 anymore -- slow synapses. :)

Zaphod Beeblebrox Fri, May 23, 2008 at 11:12 AM EST

Hey BoiseJen...Brandon was just telling you what MILF meant.

BoiseJen Fri, May 23, 2008 at 11:08 AM EST

Oh, Brandon, now I see, sorry -- you were just defining the abbreviation for me. Duh.

BoiseJen Fri, May 23, 2008 at 11:01 AM EST

Please don't use ugly words like that. What I meant was you wonder what a woman sees in a somewhat younger (I'm not talking Mary Kay Letourneau here!) guy, and then you run across one that makes you think, "Gee, wish I were 25 again, with my life ahead of me still, before all the choices I've made." Having a romantic notion about someone and using the F word are two entirely different things, Brandon.

cimagato Fri, May 23, 2008 at 10:59 AM EST

It sounds so predatory which, I guess, is the point. I'm in my early 30s and I thought it was for 40 and up. (When I hit 40 I'll think it's for 50 and up);) I guess it's better than 'skeezy old guy' that we give to men. But I really dislike cougar, even though it could be 'skeezy old woman'. As far as attraction to people younger than you, some of it is fantasy and hormones. You're not necessarily going to act on it. But then again, you're older, not dead so why not act on it if the other person is open to it? Personally, I'm not attracted to Mr. Cook even though I voted for him. It was his music, not his looks that got the votes. But I have to admit (why?) that I did place a few votes for Mr. Castro because he's so pretty (and the music). But I'm not interested in a relationship with him. The 14 year old in me is, but she doesn't run the show anymore. I think men get more interesting in their late 20s, before that, not so much.

BoiseJen Fri, May 23, 2008 at 10:57 AM EST

I don't think he looks 40 so much as he emotes that sort of quiet introspection that you get when you reach your mid-to-late 30s.

Brandon Fri, May 23, 2008 at 10:56 AM EST

vw: blow the judgers? Is that an argument AGAINST judging?

BoiseJen: Mothers I'd Like to F***

amah Fri, May 23, 2008 at 10:56 AM EST

In order to be a MILF, don't you have to be a mother? Cougar is a much better, saucier, all-encompassing term.

Sam Fri, May 23, 2008 at 10:56 AM EST

Yup, two years ago if you claimed you thought Katharine McPhee was beautiful, we were "pigs" and "didn't understand that AI was about singing, not looks!" and Kat was trashed mercilessly. But somehow, it's OK that Cook won because "he's hot."

Double standards abound...

Ann Fri, May 23, 2008 at 10:56 AM EST

I think it's one thing to say he's a nice looking guy, but when people who are old enough to be his mother say they would like to rip his clothes off and have their way with him it's just plain wrong!

amah Fri, May 23, 2008 at 10:53 AM EST

Ew, Cook's only 25? (I don't watch American Idol, obviously- but it's hard to avoid all of the coverage.) He seriously looks 40 to me, though I guess that would be over the age limit of AI (there is one, right?).

BoiseJen Fri, May 23, 2008 at 10:48 AM EST

Yes, I daresay he will play to packed houses of women of all ages.

Sophie Fri, May 23, 2008 at 10:47 AM EST

You don't have to be a 'cougar' to want a piece of David Cook. ;) ;)

vw Fri, May 23, 2008 at 10:46 AM EST

i will say it's better than milf but really, who cares about someone's opinion especially if you don't even know them?? live your life, be happy, & blow the judgers.

BoiseJen Fri, May 23, 2008 at 10:43 AM EST

What is MILF? (Is it mentionable here spelled out?) I saw The Graduate, but I don't remember that term, and when I Google it I get Moro Islamic Liberation Front, oops...

Rose Tyler Fri, May 23, 2008 at 10:41 AM EST

Well, I'm barely old enough to be a cougar. I'm only 4 years older then Mr. Cook who is about the same age as my husband. However, I don't mind the term but I do like Mrs. Robinson better. I hate MILF even though my hubby calls me that sometimes.

BoiseJen Fri, May 23, 2008 at 10:33 AM EST

Ew??? Well I know we all look at Demi and Ashton and huff "Oh how could you, Demi, he's almost young enough for your daughters, ugh..." And then it happens to you, and you go, "Oh. Now I get it!" :0)

Jennifer Fri, May 23, 2008 at 10:30 AM EST

Ew.

BoiseJen Fri, May 23, 2008 at 10:29 AM EST

But let it not be misconstrued that we are saying we voted on his charm alone; we LOVE his genre of music and the way he plays it. He's got talent in droves to match his good looks, and THAT'S why he won -- he's the total package.

anne Fri, May 23, 2008 at 10:23 AM EST

Not a fan of the term, but I will cop to being 37 and will confess not only to have voted for him a 100 times, that is voice and 5 0'clock shadow make me all mushy inside and give me inappropriate thoughts and that I watched his Guitar Hero commerical over and over again....all of which isn't wrong of me per say as I am sure that I am not alone. Does it make me a cougar? I don't think so as i would probably never sexually stalk him instead I would probably just giggle like a nervous schoolgirl.

BoiseJen Fri, May 23, 2008 at 10:22 AM EST

I'm 36 next month and definitely love my Sugar Cookie. He's just precious and is the right blend of grown man and that little-boy vulnerability. Be still my beating heart! (And yes, I mass-voted and forum-posted and now realize that Simon totally played us with reverse psychology, but it's ok. Use me, abuse me -- it was a labor of love!)

Sera Fri, May 23, 2008 at 10:18 AM EST

I hate the term, but if that's what they're calling it, I'M ONE OF THEM!. I'm 36 and I would love to take a bite out of David Cook. SO HOT!!!!

Tony Fri, May 23, 2008 at 10:14 AM EST

If it's good enough for 30 Rock, it's good enough for me.

Jenna: Oh go for it Liz! I always roll with it when hot guys think I'm 22. What can we do, we're cougars.
Liz: We're what?
Jenna: Cougars - hot older ladies pouncing on their young prey.
Liz: [grossed out] Ehh.
Jenna: There was a whole article about it in Vanity Fair, the one with the 'Crisis in Africa' cover. God it makes me so sad more people don't know about cougars.

Lyn Fri, May 23, 2008 at 10:08 AM EST

The term is hands down better than MILF. It's been forty years since The Graduate ...long before I was born, but I think of them as Mrs Robinsons.

MrKitty Fri, May 23, 2008 at 09:59 AM EST

Hate the term, but do have an inappropriate crush on the boy...and am a girlie despite the online moniker.

Fri, May 23, 2008 at 09:47 AM EST

Hate the term... will not accept it... ICK!

EP Sato Fri, May 23, 2008 at 09:45 AM EST

I'm married to a woman nearly ten years my senior (yet she looks younger than me), and she HATES the term Cougar.

Ironically, I happen to love it. Seriously, what's wrong with the term? Cougars are strong willed, sleek animals who know how to hunt what they want. If the term for a sexy older woman was something insulting like "hot mom", "well aged" or the overused (and demeaning) "MILF", the resistance to the term would make more sense to me.

Even the word Cougar's kind of sexy. I hear that term and it instantly conjures up images of a woman who looks 20 but has the experience of 40. As Paris Hilton would say "that's hot".