man-eater

The term man-eater is a slang term for a woman who is viewed as sexually aggressive, domineering, or emotionally predatory, often implying she uses men for personal gain or pleasure before discarding them. The term originated in the 19th century in the zoological sense, with the gendered figurative usage gaining prominence in the early-to-mid 20th century.

Perspectives on the term vary depending on the context. In biology and conservation, it remains a standard, albeit dramatic, descriptor for specific animals, though some linguists note that the use of "man" to mean "human" is somewhat dated. In social contexts, the term is often contested. Critics argue it is sexist and demonizes female sexuality, framing assertive women as dangerous monsters. However, others view it through a lens of camp or empowerment—popularized by songs from Hall & Oates and Nelly Furtado—reclaiming the label to describe a woman who is in control, independent, and refuses to be the passive object of male desire.

Example:
"Local authorities issued a warning after a tiger, suspected to be a man-eater, was spotted near the village outskirts."

Example:
"Critics of the film argued that the protagonist was reduced to a stereotypical man-eater who lacked any motivation beyond destroying her romantic partners."