a cuckold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cuckold" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a man whose wife is unfaithful, often in a context discussing infidelity or jealousy. Example: "He felt humiliated when he discovered he had become a cuckold."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

CliffsNotes Films Says… OTHELLO: I'm a cuckold!

The New York Times

"It's a cuckold situation," Clark said.

The New Yorker

All the argument is a cuckold and a whore".

The New York Times

I knew a cuckold once, I grieve for him.

The New Yorker

Albert jokes with Dougal about being a cuckold.

The New Yorker

Who goaded Pushkin into jealous rage by circulating anonymous letters mocking him as a cuckold?

The Economist

Thanks to Lee Tourneau's turncoat friendship with Ig, there's a cuckold angle, too.

The New York Times - Books

Will audiences be able to wrap their heads around James Bond as a cuckold?

The New York Times

This is perhaps not the best moment for a merchant to call him a cuckold.

The Guardian - Books

Convinced he is a cuckold, Ralph turns to his neighbor for reassurance.

The New York Times - Arts

Shall a Gesualdo be made a cuckold?" After a time, he reëmerged, his hands dripping with blood.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the term “a cuckold” judiciously, considering its strong negative connotations and potential to offend. Choose more neutral language when possible.

Common error

Be aware that the implications and perceived severity of being called "a cuckold" vary significantly across cultures. What may be a harsh insult in one context could have different, even humorous, undertones in another.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cuckold" functions primarily as a noun, specifically referring to a man whose wife is unfaithful. It often carries strong negative connotations and is used to describe a specific social situation involving betrayal and marital dishonor. Ludwig's examples confirm this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Encyclopedias

11%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a cuckold" is a noun denoting a man whose partner is unfaithful, frequently carrying negative connotations. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, it is very common in News & Media and Encyclopedias, implying a neutral to informal register. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. When using this phrase, consider its cultural implications and potential to offend. Alternatives like "cheated-on husband" or "betrayed spouse" might be more suitable in sensitive contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cheated-on husband

Focuses on the act of infidelity and the husband's status as the victim.

betrayed spouse

Emphasizes the breach of trust and the emotional impact of the infidelity.

deceived husband

Highlights the element of deceit and the husband's unawareness of the affair.

man with an unfaithful wife

A more descriptive and less judgmental way of stating the situation.

victim of infidelity

Positions the husband as someone who has suffered due to the actions of his partner.

man wearing horns

This is an idiomatic, often archaic, way of referring to a cuckold.

husband in a compromised marriage

Focuses on the broken state of the marriage due to the wife's actions.

injured party in an affair

Highlights the legalistic and emotional impact of the affair on the husband.

man dishonored by his wife

Emphasizes the social shame and loss of honor associated with the infidelity.

the wronged husband

Focuses on the moral dimension and the husband's status as the injured party.

FAQs

How is "a cuckold" typically portrayed in literature?

Historically, the character of "a cuckold" is often depicted as a figure of ridicule or pity, a man betrayed by his unfaithful wife. Modern portrayals may explore the theme with more complexity, examining issues of power, trust, and societal expectations.

What are some less offensive ways to describe someone as "a cuckold"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "cheated-on husband", "betrayed spouse", or simply state that the person's partner was unfaithful.

Is there a female equivalent of "a cuckold"?

While there isn't a single, universally accepted term, the closest equivalent is arguably a 'cuckquean', although this term is less widely known and primarily used within specific subcultures.

What is the origin of the word "cuckold"?

The term "cuckold" originates from the cuckoo bird, which lays its eggs in other birds' nests. The implication is that the husband is unwittingly raising another man's child, similar to how the foster birds raise the cuckoo's offspring.