Side Piece Definition
“Side piece” refers to the single person outside of the relationship. The side piece is the one engaging in an affair with the person in the relationship. The term initially referred to a woman having an affair with a married man, but has since become gender neutral. In essence, if you’re cheating, the person you’re cheating with is your side piece. Gender neutral synonyms for “side piece” include “lover” and “paramour.’’ Gendered synonyms include “side chick,” “mistress,” and “goomar,” which is the Italian mob equivalent of a side piece. You can also use phrases like “getting a little action on the side” or that someone is “stepping out” on their relationship. Side pieces offer the thrill of sexual relationship with no strings attached and no intentions of moving toward commitment. The person involved with a side piece typically wants to stay in their relationship with their unsuspecting partner. A side piece doesn’t have to be involved with a married person, simply a person in a relationship. Motivations for having a side piece include animosity toward their partner, the need for variety, and sexual desire. In some modern uses, “side piece” can also refer to person experiencing longing for someone in a relationship. Someone could similarly be considered a side piece if the person in the relationship reaches out to them to talk or vent about their relationship, which would constitute emotional cheating. Additionally, a side piece could refer to an intentional distraction from a goal. It can also be used to describe somebody that isn’t taken seriously, romantically or otherwise. A lesser used definition refers to a piece that forms outside of something, like the sidepiece of a carriage.
How to Use
There are a few casual and lighthearted ways to use “side piece.” There are also ways to use it to accuse someone of having or participating in an affair, with clear negative connotations. 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!” “He’s so hot, I would love to be his 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!” “She got knocked up by her side piece and her boyfriend has no idea.” 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.” “I talked to my side piece about how poorly my girlfriend has been treating me and she’s so understanding.” Examples of how to use it to describe a distraction or someone deemed unserious: “Your side piece is making you lose focus.” “You missed the grad school application deadline? You must be spending way too much time with your side piece.” “Nah, she doesn’t have any real girlfriend potential, she’s just a side piece.” “He’s a great handyman, which is why he’s my side piece.”
“Side Piece” Origins
The term has origins in 1592 in relation to the parts of a gown. However, it’s unclear when “side piece” became synonymous with extra-marital affairs. The expression developed as a modern variation of “mistress” which is the French form of “master.” The slang term, “side piece” grew in popularity in recent decades as a more modern, gender neutral version of “mistress,” resulting in pop culture representation. It's possible that "side piece" evolved as a creative extension of the phrase, "Getting a little action on the side."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “side piece” an offensive term? It definitely can be, especially if you’re passing judgement on somebody having an affair. Be weary as to how you use it, because a false accusation could mean trouble for everyone involved. If you use it in a non-serious way, it’s a good way to poke a little fun in your relationship or at a close friend.
What does it mean to be a side piece? Traditionally, a side piece is defined as a person who is involved with another person in a relationship or marriage, typically for sexual purposes. A side piece can also point to an emotional affair. It generally implies that a person in a relationship is getting some action “on the side,” therefore, a “side piece.”
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