Pronunciation: [kˈuːɡə] (IPA) 
The word "cougar" is spelled with seven letters, and is pronounced either /ˈkuːɡər/ in North America or /ˈkaʊɡə/ in the UK. The first syllable, "cou", is pronounced like the word "cow". The second syllable, "gar", is pronounced like the word "gar" as in "garage". The pronunciation of the word may vary depending on regional differences or accents. The word cougar refers to a large, predatory feline found in North and South America.
A cougar, often referred to as a puma or mountain lion, is a large solitary felid native to the Americas. It is a carnivorous mammal belonging to the family Felidae and exhibiting a distinctive tan or tawny coat, muscular build, and a long curved tail. Adult cougars typically measure around 6 to 8 feet in length, including the tail, and weigh between 100 and 200 pounds.
Known for their agility and stealth, cougars are formidable hunters capable of taking down prey larger than themselves. They primarily feed on deer, but their diet can also include smaller mammals and occasionally livestock. Cougars are territorial animals, with adult males occupying larger home ranges than females. They are predominantly active during dawn and dusk, possessing excellent night vision to aid their hunting activities.
In addition to their physical characteristics, the term "cougar" has also acquired a symbolic meaning in popular culture. It refers to an older woman, typically in her 40s or 50s, who is romantically or sexually involved with younger men. This modern slang usage is derived from the predatory nature associated with the wild cougar, symbolizing an older woman actively pursuing younger men for romantic relationships.
While the dictionary definition primarily focuses on the animal species, the colloquial usage of "cougar" has gained prominence as a cultural reference in recent years.
The American panther.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The English term "cougar" originally referred to the large New World feline known scientifically as Puma concolor, also called mountain lion, puma, or panther. The word "cougar" itself is believed to come from the French word "couguar", derived from the Tupi-Guarani language of South America. In Tupi-Guarani, the term "cuguacuarana" was used to describe the animal, which then evolved to "couguar" in French and later "cougar" in English.
It is important to note that the term "cougar" has also gained a secondary meaning, referring to an older woman who pursues romantic relationships with significantly younger men. This usage originated in the United States during the 1990s, and it is often associated with the concept of a cougar being a predatory and powerful figure, similar to the large cat it is named after.
