The phrase references a themed costume concept, generally for Halloween, that plays on the stereotype of a mature woman (“cougar”) and a younger man (“hunter”), combined with the essence of Halloween festivities. The costume could involve attire suggesting predatory pursuit alongside elements traditionally associated with the holiday, such as spooky or festive accessories.
The popularity of such a theme reflects contemporary cultural fascination with age-gap relationships and societal views on gender roles. Its appearance during Halloween highlights the holiday’s function as a space for exploring and sometimes satirizing social norms and stereotypes. Historically, Halloween costumes have often served as a vehicle for playful commentary on current events and social trends.