Cuckolding, also known as "cuckold", refers to a paraphilia and a form of sexual domination where a man becomes aroused by the idea of his partner engaging in sexual relations with another man (or multiple men), either regularly or occasionally, while he remains faithful or even abstinent. The husband, often deeply in love with his partner, consents to her having a lover, or even several lovers. The partner, in turn, derives sexual excitement from the pleasure of engaging with others while her partner watches or is aware of the situation. Cuckolding can be practiced in varying degrees, ranging from occasional encounters to more frequent or even ongoing situations.
The term cuckold is derived from the Old English word, which means "a man whose partner is unfaithful". It originates from the word "cuckoo", referencing the bird known for laying its eggs in other birds' nests. This behavior parallels the dynamic in cuckolding, where the wife takes on lovers with her husband's knowledge and consent.
Unlike the stereotypical portrayal of infidelity, where the cheated husband is unaware of his misfortune, in cuckolding, the husband is often fully informed and may even play an active role in his own cuckoldry. In cuckold relationships, the husband allows his partner to have extramarital sex, either out of submission or a deep affection for his beloved partner. The husband remains loyal, often abstaining from other sexual relationships, or may engage in practices like "cleaning", where he performs cunnilingus on his wife after her encounter with her lover. This practice, known as cleaning, involves the husband "cleaning" the creampie (the result of the lover's internal ejaculation) from his wife.
Cuckolding can take various forms, ranging from casual encounters with passing lovers to long-term relationships with multiple partners. The practice is also often associated with gang bangs, where the wife engages with several men in one session.