cuffing season
noun
a period when single people begin looking for relationships
What does cuffing season mean?
Cuffing season refers to the time of the year when single people begin looking for short-term partnerships to pass the colder months of the year. This period usually begins in October and ends just after Valentine’s Day.
Examples of cuffing season
I think I’m ready to be in a relationship again. The weather is getting colder. Cuffing season is nearly upon us
—@TheSkxtchBook, X (formerly Twitter), 19 Sep. 2025
With cuffing season — the time of year which typically starts in mid-October and ends after Valentine’s Day — well underway, you may suddenly see an influx of matches or newly formed couples on your Instagram feed. That’s not a coincidence, and you’re not imagining it. Finding love (or wanting to) during cuffing season is well-documented …
—As the weather cools down, dating heats up as people secure a cuddle buddy for “cuffing season,” but for some, taking a slower approach may be the best strategy.
—Cuffing season is upon us – a time of the year when people tend to settle down, finding someone to cuddle up with during the cold winter months …
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Where does cuffing season come from?
The term cuffing season appeared in college newspapers in 2011 and was popularized by its use in rap and hip-hop songs, including the title of the 2013 song Cuffin Season by rapper Fabolous. Cuffing has origins in African American English, with the verb cuff meaning to commit to someone and enter into a relationship with them. The cuff in cuffing season also alludes to handcuffs, which reference the idea of being connected or tied to another person.
How is cuffing season used?
Cuffing season is used as a noun to reference this period.
