The phrase "puts horns on" refers to making someone jealous in a romantic relationship. Interestingly, the spelling of the word "horns" can be a bit tricky because of the silent "h." In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced as /hɔrns/. The "h" sound is not necessarily pronounced but rather affects the vowel sound that follows it. So, in this case, the "o" is pronounced like "aw" as in "law", which gives us the correct pronunciation of "horns".
The phrase "puts horns on" is a colorful idiomatic expression used in informal conversation to convey the act of betraying or cheating on a romantic partner, often referring to infidelity within a committed relationship. This figurative term typically implies that one person, represented as the perpetrator, has engaged in a clandestine romantic affair, leading to the emotional betrayal of their partner or spouse, who bears the metaphorical "horns" as a symbol of being deceived and cuckolded.
The imagery behind "puts horns on" stems from the association of horns with animals, such as stags or bulls, which use them as a sexual display or as a way to establish dominance within a social hierarchy. In the context of human relationships, the phrase serves as a metaphorical representation of the act of being cheated on, with the deceived partner being depicted as an unwitting victim.
Due to its informal nature, the phrase "puts horns on" is mostly used in spoken language or in colloquial writing, often within close-knit social circles. Though its origins are difficult to trace, the expression has likely developed and evolved over time, drawing from cultural references and common metaphors associated with infidelity. Ultimately, "puts horns on" encapsulates the emotional impact and betrayal caused by the act of cheating on a romantic partner, resonating with individuals who have experienced the pain and consequences of such a betrayal.