What Does the Slang “Side Piece” Mean (and Is It Offensive)?

PDF download Download Article
Plus, how to use “side piece” in conversation
PDF download Download Article

"Side piece" typically refers to a person who gets romantically or sexually involved with someone who is already in a committed relationship. Although it’s a slightly controversial term due to its implied unfaithfulness, it can be used with friends in a casual or funny way in conversation. Read on for everything you need to know!

What does side piece mean?

A "side piece" is a person who is romantically or sexually linked to someone in a relationship. Although the term was originally gendered to mean “the other woman,” it has since evolved and can refer to any gender. The phrase can be used in a lighthearted way, but it can also be considered rude or accusatory.

Section 1 of 4:

"Side Piece" Definition

PDF download Download Article
  1. Basically, a side piece engages in an affair with someone who's (supposed to be) in a monogamous relationship with someone else. The person the cheater cheats with is their "side piece" or their "piece on the side." Initially, a "side piece" always referred to woman having an affair with a married man, but the phrase is gender neutral now. [1]
    • A side piece usually isn't taken seriously and the person in a relationship probably has no intentions of leaving their partner.
    • Gender neutral synonyms for “side piece” include "affair partner," “lover,” and “paramour.’’ Gendered synonyms include “side chick,” “mistress,” and “goomar,” which is the Italian mob equivalent of a side piece. [2]
    • Related phrases include “getting a little action on the side” and “stepping out” on one's relationship.
    • Someone may be considered a side piece if the person in the relationship reaches out to talk or vent, essentially engaging in an emotional affair. [3]
    • "Side piece jealousy" is when the cheater in the relationship gets angry and jealous after learning that their side piece is dating other people.
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

How to Use "Side Piece"

PDF download Download Article
  1. There are also ways to use it to accuse someone of having or participating in an affair, with clear negative connotations. Be careful how you use it to avoid offending or upsetting others.
    • Examples of how to use it playfully:
      • “Can’t hang out tonight, babe– I’m taking my side piece on a date!”
      • “Who are you texting so much? Must be your side piece!”
      • “I’m not her side piece, I’m her main piece–she just doesn’t know it!”
    • Examples of how to use it to describe a physical affair:
      • “That’s his side piece and everyone knows it but his wife.”
      • “He’s never been faithful, he’s had a side piece since day one.”
      • “Her boss is her side piece… so scandalous!”
    • Examples of how to use it to describe an emotional affair:
      • “She’s not really my side piece, I just enjoy talking to her.”
      • “I have a side piece… with no benefits.”
      • “My side piece just gets me.”
Section 3 of 4:

“Side Piece” Origins

PDF download Download Article
  1. [4] However, it’s unclear when “side piece” became synonymous with extra-marital affairs. In modern times, the slang term “side piece” is used as a more modern, gender neutral version of “mistress.” [5]
    • It's possible that "side piece" evolved as a creative extension of the phrase, "Getting a little action on the side."
    2. Advertisement
Section 4 of 4:

Is “side piece” offensive?

PDF download Download Article
  1. The phrase has negative connotations, especially if you’re passing judgement on somebody having an affair. Be careful how you use it, because a false accusation could mean trouble for everyone involved. If you use "side piece" in a non-serious way, it can be used to poke a little fun in your relationship or at a close friend.

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Kiss
      How to
      Turn on a Guy
      How to
      Impress a Girl with Words
      100+ Loving, Funny & Appreciative Birthday Wishes for Your Girlfriend
      What Are the Bases in a Relationship? Defining the Baseball-Sex Metaphor
      How to
      Tell if Your Girlfriend Is Horny: 12 Signs She's Turned On
      100+ Good Morning Texts for Her (& Other Ways to Make Her Smile)
      How to
      Make a Girl Feel Special Through Text
      Celebrate Your One Month Anniversary with These Sweet Messages
      Questions to Ask a Girl to Increase Intimacy
      11+ Heartfelt Messages to Make Your Girlfriend Feel Appreciated
      Signs Your Ex Will Eventually Come Back
      15 Sweet and Romantic Stories to Tell Your Girlfriend
      12+ Texts to Send Your Girlfriend After a Fight: Apologies & More
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.vibe.com/features/vixen/men-can-be-side-pieces-too-268381/
      2. ↑ https://www.thehistoryofenglish.com/goomar
      3. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/emotional-cheating
      4. ↑ https://www.oed.com/dictionary/side-piece
      5. ↑ https://www.capitalxtra.com/news/jack-harlow-side-piece-lyrics-meaning-explained/

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 126 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement