cuffing season
Cuffing season refers to the period during the autumn and winter months when people who are usually content being single start seeking out committed relationships. The mental image is one of "cuffing" or locking oneself to a partner to stay warm and cozy while the weather is cold and the days are dark. The term is primarily used in casual, social contexts and digital spaces. It implies a sense of seasonal convenience or a desire for companionship rather than necessarily looking for a lifelong soulmate, though it can certainly evolve into one. It is often used humorously or self-deprecatingly when someone suddenly starts looking for a date as the temperature drops.
In conversation
Texting a friend
I just downloaded Hinge again. It's officially cuffing season.
I just downloaded Hinge again. It's officially cuffing season.
Already? It's only September!
Already? It's only September!
Shows the anticipation of the season starting as autumn approaches.
Checking in
Are you still seeing that guy you met in November?
Are you still seeing that guy you met in November?
Nah, cuffing season is over. The sun came out and we both realized we had nothing in common.
Nah, cuffing season is over. The sun came out and we both realized we had nothing in common.
Illustrates the idea that these relationships often end when the weather warms up.
Examples
I'm not looking for anything serious, just trying to survive cuffing season.
I'm not looking for anything serious, just trying to survive cuffing season.
Many people find that their dating app activity spikes significantly as soon as cuffing season begins.
Many people find that their dating app activity spikes significantly as soon as cuffing season begins.
The psychological phenomenon of cuffing season suggests that environmental cues like cold weather drive the human instinct for pair-bonding.
The psychological phenomenon of cuffing season suggests that environmental cues like cold weather drive the human instinct for pair-bonding.
