When did "cougars" become older women?

Answer by  mojojojojojo (27)

I believe that "cougars" became a term for beautiful older women during the 1920s because it was then that women were able to become independent financially, but only if they were a bit older and able to make their own money. At the time, the cougar pelt was a highly sought after animal skin, just like these women.

Answer by  dhuoda (1431)

The word is used because a cougar hunts for prey like an older woman hunts for a younger man. It has been used in small circles for decades but became globally popular through television programmes like "Sex in the City" which feature older single women on the dating scene.