Top 31 Slang For Cheating – Meaning & Usage

Cheating in relationships can be a sensitive and complex topic, often accompanied by its own set of slang and euphemisms. Whether you’re navigating the murky waters of infidelity or simply curious about the language surrounding it, our team has put together a list of the top slang terms for cheating that will shed light on this often taboo subject. Stay in the know and explore the world of relationship lingo with us!

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1. Fool around

This term refers to engaging in sexual activities or flirtation with someone other than one’s partner while in a committed relationship.

For example, a friend might say, “I heard they were fooling around behind their partner’s back.”
Someone might confess, “I made a mistake and fooled around with someone at a party.”
A person discussing infidelity might say, “Fooling around is a breach of trust in a relationship.”

2. Roam

In the context of cheating, “roam” refers to exploring or pursuing romantic or sexual connections outside of a committed relationship.

For instance, someone might say, “He’s known to roam and has a history of cheating.”
A person discussing their own experiences might admit, “I’ve been tempted to roam, but I value my relationship too much.”
A friend offering advice might say, “If you’re feeling the urge to roam, it’s important to communicate with your partner and address any underlying issues.”

3. Be unfaithful

To be unfaithful means to break the commitment of exclusivity in a relationship by engaging in romantic or sexual activities with someone other than one’s partner.

For example, a person might say, “He cheated on her and was unfaithful to their vows.”
A friend might offer support by saying, “You deserve better than someone who is unfaithful.”
A person discussing the consequences of infidelity might mention, “Being unfaithful can destroy trust and lead to the end of a relationship.”

4. Have a bit on the side

This phrase refers to engaging in a secret affair or relationship outside of a committed partnership.

For instance, someone might say, “He’s been having a bit on the side for months.”
A friend might confide, “I found out my partner was having a bit on the side, and it devastated me.”
A person discussing the challenges of infidelity might mention, “Having a bit on the side can lead to a lot of guilt and emotional turmoil.”

5. Cuckold

In the context of cheating, a cuckold is a man whose wife is unfaithful and engages in sexual activities with other men.

For example, someone might say, “He discovered he was a cuckold when he found out about his wife’s affair.”
A person discussing the emotional impact might say, “Being a cuckold can be incredibly painful and damaging to one’s self-esteem.”
A friend offering support might say, “No one deserves to be a cuckold. You deserve someone who is faithful and loyal.”

6. Cheat

To cheat means to deceive or act dishonestly in order to gain an advantage. It can refer to various forms of cheating, including cheating on a test, cheating in a game, or cheating in a relationship.

For example, “He cheated on his girlfriend with his coworker.”
A student might say, “I didn’t study for the exam, so I’m going to cheat.”
In a game of poker, someone might accuse another player of cheating if they suspect foul play.

7. Be a player

To be a player means to be involved in multiple romantic relationships simultaneously, often without the knowledge or consent of the other parties involved. It implies a lack of commitment and a desire for casual or non-exclusive relationships.

For instance, “He’s always dating multiple women at once. He’s such a player.”
A friend might warn another friend about a person they’re interested in, saying, “Watch out for him, he’s a player.”
Someone might say, “I don’t want to date him, he’s just a player.”

8. Be a love rat

To be a love rat means to cheat or betray a romantic partner. It is a slang term that implies disloyalty and deceit in a relationship.

For example, “He cheated on his wife with his secretary. What a love rat.”
A friend might say, “I can’t believe he cheated on you. He’s such a love rat.”
In a discussion about infidelity, someone might mention, “I’ve heard stories of love rats who cheat on their partners without any remorse.”

9. Be a two-timer

To be a two-timer means to be involved in two simultaneous romantic relationships, often without the knowledge or consent of either partner. It implies a lack of loyalty and commitment to both individuals.

For instance, “She found out he was seeing someone else at the same time. He’s a real two-timer.”
A friend might warn another friend about a person they suspect of being a two-timer, saying, “I think he’s dating both of them. He’s definitely a two-timer.”
Someone might say, “I can’t believe he’s been leading both of them on. He’s such a two-timer.”

10. Be a philanderer

To be a philanderer means to engage in casual or multiple sexual relationships, especially while married or in a committed relationship. It implies a lack of fidelity and a tendency to seek out sexual encounters outside of one’s primary relationship.

For example, “He’s always sleeping around with different women. He’s a notorious philanderer.”
A friend might say, “I can’t believe she’s still with him after all his philandering.”
In a discussion about infidelity, someone might mention, “Philanderers often have a pattern of cheating on their partners without any remorse.”

11. Be a womanizer

To be a womanizer means to have multiple sexual relationships with different women without any commitment or intention of forming a serious relationship. This term is often used to describe someone who is known for their charm and ability to attract women.

For example, “He’s such a womanizer, always flirting with different girls at the party.”
A friend might warn another friend, “Be careful with him, he’s a notorious womanizer.”
In a conversation about dating, someone might say, “I can’t stand guys who are womanizers, they never take relationships seriously.”

12. Be a cad

To be a cad means to act in a way that is disrespectful, dishonest, or ungentlemanly, particularly towards women. This term is often used to describe someone who takes advantage of others’ feelings or manipulates them for personal gain.

For instance, “He cheated on his girlfriend multiple times, what a cad.”
A person might warn their friend about someone they suspect of being a cad, saying, “Watch out for him, he has a reputation for being a cad.”
In a conversation about relationships, someone might say, “I can’t believe she stayed with him after finding out he’s a cad.”

13. Be a scoundrel

To be a scoundrel means to behave in a dishonest, untrustworthy, or morally corrupt manner. This term is often used to describe someone who engages in deceitful or underhanded actions, particularly for personal gain.

For example, “He swindled innocent people out of their money, what a scoundrel.”
A person might express their disdain for someone they consider a scoundrel, saying, “I can’t believe he stooped so low, he’s a true scoundrel.”
In a discussion about politics, someone might say, “We need to hold these scoundrels accountable for their corrupt actions.”

14. Be a snake

To be a snake means to betray or deceive someone, often in a cunning or secretive manner. This term is often used to describe someone who cannot be trusted and is willing to manipulate others for their own benefit.

For instance, “He pretended to be my friend but then stole my ideas, what a snake.”
A person might warn others about someone they believe is a snake, saying, “Don’t trust him, he’s a snake in the grass.”
In a conversation about relationships, someone might say, “Once a snake, always a snake. I’ll never trust him again.”

15. Be a cheat

To be a cheat means to engage in dishonest or unfair practices, particularly in order to gain an advantage or deceive others. This term is often used to describe someone who breaks rules or cheats in a game, competition, or relationship.

For example, “He cheated on the exam by copying from someone else’s paper, what a cheat.”
A person might express their disappointment in someone they consider a cheat, saying, “I can’t believe he stooped so low, he’s a total cheat.”
In a discussion about sports, someone might say, “The team’s victory is tainted by the fact that they had a known cheat on their roster.”

16. Stepping out

This phrase refers to one partner in a committed relationship engaging in romantic or sexual activities with someone outside of the relationship. It implies a breach of trust and loyalty.

For example, “I heard she’s been stepping out on her husband with her coworker.”
In a discussion about infidelity, someone might say, “Stepping out on your partner is never justified.”
A friend might ask, “Do you think he’s stepping out on his girlfriend? I saw him with another woman.”

17. Fooling around

This term refers to engaging in sexual activities with someone outside of a committed relationship, often without any emotional attachment. It implies a lack of seriousness and commitment.

For instance, “They’ve been fooling around behind their partners’ backs.”
In a conversation about relationship boundaries, someone might say, “I consider kissing someone else cheating, even if it’s just fooling around.”
A friend might confess, “I’ve been fooling around with this guy, but I don’t want anything serious.”

18. Being unfaithful

This phrase refers to breaking the commitment of fidelity in a relationship. It encompasses any form of cheating, whether emotional or physical.

For example, “He admitted to being unfaithful to his wife.”
In a discussion about trust in relationships, someone might say, “Being unfaithful is a betrayal that is hard to recover from.”
A partner might confront their significant other, saying, “I can’t believe you’ve been unfaithful to me.”

19. Having a fling

This term refers to engaging in a brief, often passionate, romantic or sexual relationship outside of a committed partnership. It implies a temporary and casual nature.

For instance, “She had a fling with her coworker while on a business trip.”
In a conversation about past relationships, someone might say, “I had a fling with a musician while I was studying abroad.”
A friend might ask, “Have you ever had a fling? I’m thinking about trying it.”

20. Cheating

This word refers to breaking the rules or agreements of a committed relationship, often involving emotional or physical infidelity. It encompasses a range of behaviors that involve deception and betrayal of trust.

For example, “He was caught cheating on his girlfriend with his ex.”
In a discussion about relationship boundaries, someone might say, “Cheating is never acceptable, no matter the circumstances.”
A betrayed partner might confront their significant other, saying, “How could you cheat on me? I thought we had something special.”

21. Having a wandering eye

This phrase refers to someone who is in a relationship but frequently looks at or shows interest in other potential romantic partners.

For example, “He may be in a committed relationship, but he still has a wandering eye whenever an attractive person walks by.”
In a conversation about trust in relationships, someone might say, “Having a wandering eye can be a sign of dissatisfaction or boredom in a partnership.”
A friend might advise, “If you notice your partner has a wandering eye, it’s important to communicate your concerns and work on strengthening your relationship.”

22. Being a player

This term is used to describe someone who is not committed to a single partner and instead seeks out multiple romantic or sexual partners simultaneously.

For instance, “He’s always dating multiple people at once, he’s such a player.”
In a discussion about relationship dynamics, someone might comment, “Being a player often indicates a fear of commitment or a desire for variety.”
A friend might warn, “Be careful with him, he has a reputation for being a player.”

23. Committing adultery

This term refers to the act of being unfaithful to one’s spouse or committed partner by engaging in a sexual or romantic relationship with someone else.

For example, “He confessed to committing adultery and his marriage fell apart.”
In a conversation about the impact of infidelity, someone might say, “Committing adultery can cause immense pain and damage to a relationship.”
A therapist might suggest, “If you’re considering committing adultery, it’s important to address the underlying issues in your current relationship before making any decisions.”

24. Having a side piece

This phrase refers to someone who is in a committed relationship but also maintains a secret romantic or sexual relationship with another person on the side.

For instance, “He’s been seeing someone else behind his partner’s back. He has a side piece.”
In a discussion about trust and loyalty, someone might comment, “Having a side piece shows a lack of respect and commitment to one’s main partner.”
A friend might advise, “If you suspect your partner has a side piece, it’s important to have an open and honest conversation about your concerns.”

25. Being a love rat

This term is used to describe someone who cheats or is unfaithful in romantic relationships, often without remorse or consideration for their partner’s feelings.

For example, “He cheated on his girlfriend multiple times. He’s a real love rat.”
In a conversation about relationship boundaries, someone might say, “Being a love rat can cause significant emotional pain and damage to the trust in a relationship.”
A friend might warn, “Stay away from him, he has a reputation for being a love rat.”

26. Having a bit on the side

This phrase refers to being involved in a romantic or sexual relationship outside of one’s committed partnership or marriage.

For example, “He’s been having a bit on the side for years and his partner has no idea.”
In a discussion about infidelity, someone might say, “Having a bit on the side is a breach of trust in a relationship.”
A friend might confide, “I suspect my partner is having a bit on the side, but I don’t have any evidence.”

27. Straying from the nest

This phrase is a metaphorical way of describing cheating or being unfaithful in a committed relationship. It implies going outside of the safe and comfortable “nest” of the relationship.

For instance, “He’s been straying from the nest and his partner is devastated.”
In a conversation about trust, someone might say, “Straying from the nest is a betrayal of the commitment made in a relationship.”
A person seeking advice might ask, “How can I prevent my partner from straying from the nest?”

28. Being a cheat

This phrase simply means to cheat on a partner or spouse by engaging in acts of infidelity.

For example, “She found out he was being a cheat and ended the relationship.”
In a discussion about trustworthiness, someone might say, “Being a cheat destroys the foundation of a healthy relationship.”
A friend might express concern, “I think my partner is being a cheat, but I’m not sure how to address it.”

29. Playing away

This phrase is commonly used in British English and refers to having sexual or romantic relationships outside of one’s committed partnership or marriage.

For instance, “He’s been playing away for months and his spouse is devastated.”
In a conversation about fidelity, someone might say, “Playing away is a breach of trust and commitment in a relationship.”
A person seeking advice might ask, “How can I confront my partner about playing away without causing a huge fight?”

30. Being a two-timer

This phrase refers to being involved with two different people romantically or sexually at the same time, without the knowledge or consent of either partner.

For example, “She found out he was being a two-timer and ended the relationship.”
In a discussion about honesty, someone might say, “Being a two-timer is a clear violation of trust in a relationship.”
A friend might express frustration, “I can’t believe he’s being a two-timer. How can someone be so dishonest?”

31. Being a gigolo

Being a gigolo refers to a person, typically a man, who engages in sexual relationships with multiple partners in exchange for money or gifts. It is often associated with someone who acts as a companion or escort for wealthier individuals.

For example, a person might say, “He’s not looking for a serious relationship, he’s just being a gigolo.”
In a conversation about unconventional careers, someone might mention, “Being a gigolo requires a certain level of charisma and charm.”
A discussion about the dynamics of power and money in relationships might touch on the topic of gigolos, with someone saying, “Being a gigolo can be seen as a form of transactional relationship.”