What exactly is a "mistress" these days? And what is the male equivalent?

[pnwmom]

I thought the word used to imply that the woman was being financially supported, which hasn't been mentioned in Sanford's case.

[rcrush]

1. Damn how do you get that job?

[Happyhippychick]

2. I think that's probably true, technically, but the term is now just used to mean "the other woman".

"Boy Toy" would be the male equivalent.

:)

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

3. I like the word Lover in both cases. :)

[Bucky]

20. That's a lot classier than "fuck buddy" plus it lets you still send them poetry by email

In this situation, apparently, not very good poetry, but poetry nonetheless

[IntravenousDemilo]

4. I've always been fond of "paramour", but that works for either sex. n/m

[eleny]

12. That came to mind immediately

I'm older and thought it might be too dated. But it's the romantic choice sans negativity. :D

[IntravenousDemilo]

13. There's also "fancy man". That one's gender-specific. n/m

[Bucky]

22. Most women would refer to a man like this as their "George Clooney"

[rurallib]

5. gigolo?

[RaleighNCDUer]

18. That does not imply any relationship -

more equivalent to 'call girl'.

[monmouth]

6. The Argentine woman comes from a very wealthy family who own

major shares in an agricultural business down there. His wife comes from big money with ties here in Stuart, Florida. The Sullivans, very Catholic and very rich. I doubt divorce is an option for her but then who knows...

[provis99]

7. the male equivalent of mistress is "gigolo"

[dgibby]

8. or Sugar Daddy.

[qazplm]

15. I think that a sugar daddy can have a mistress though

boy toy might be closer but it can simply be a younger man and no marriage be involved.

[enough]

9. A gigolo is a male whose attentions to women result in money or other tangible benefits to him.

A more accurate equivalent is "call girl" or prostitute. A mistress may be a more significant person in the emotional life of the man. I don't know what the male equivalent is. It's strange how dated many of these terms sound.

[qazplm]

14. histress?

I dont think there is an official counterpart to mistress.

Although wikipedia indicates that in Italy there used to be an official word for a counterpart to a mistress who followed an apparently very defined and accepted role as an escort of sorts for a married woman.

[marybourg]

17. "Lover" used to be used only for a man and was the analog to

mistress.

[JBoy]

10. Boy toy?

[prole_for_peace]

11. Himbo?

"lover" can be used for both sexes.

But I also think of "mistress" as someone being supported by the man cheating.

[Xithras]

16. Paramour is the correct term.

There is no direct male equivalent of mistress, but paramour is the word historically used to refer to a man who carries on an illicit long term relationship with a married woman. The difference is that paramour is gender neutral and can apply to men or women.

And while financial support was common for mistresses, it wasn't required. There have been plenty of rich, powerful women throughout history (including Queens) who were also mistresses to married men.

[Bucky]

19. Pretty obviously the word's meaning has evolved, as words tend to do in the English language

All kinds of words evolve in definition. In Chaucer's time the word "girl" mean a young man. It's pretty clear from context that 'mistress' here is a delicate way of saying paramour.

[Codeine]

21. In my neighborhood

we say Sancho.

[Tim01]

23. In my family we are called "kept men". nt