What Does the Slang “Side Piece” Mean (and Is It Offensive)?

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Plus, how to use “side piece” in conversation

Co-authored by Bertha Isabel Crombet, PhD

Last Updated: December 20, 2024 Fact Checked

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"Side Piece" Definition

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How to Use "Side Piece"

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“Side Piece” Origins

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Is “side piece” offensive?

"Side piece" typically refers to a person who gets romantically or sexually involved with someone who is already in a committed relationship. Although it’s a slightly controversial term due to its implied unfaithfulness, it can be used with friends in a casual or funny way in conversation. Read on for everything you need to know!

What does side piece mean?

A "side piece" is a person who is romantically or sexually linked to someone in a relationship. Although the term was originally gendered to mean “the other woman,” it has since evolved and can refer to any gender. The phrase can be used in a lighthearted way, but it can also be considered rude or accusatory.

Section 1 of 4:

"Side Piece" Definition

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A "side piece” is a person who gets romantically involved with someone married or in a committed relationship. Basically, a side piece engages in an affair with someone who's (supposed to be) in a monogamous relationship with someone else. The person the cheater cheats with is their "side piece" or their "piece on the side." Initially, a "side piece" always referred to woman having an affair with a married man, but the phrase is gender neutral now.^{[1]
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- A side piece usually isn't taken seriously and the person in a relationship probably has no intentions of leaving their partner.
- Gender neutral synonyms for “side piece” include "affair partner," “lover,” and “paramour.’’ Gendered synonyms include “side chick,” “mistress,” and “goomar,” which is the Italian mob equivalent of a side piece.^{[2]
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- Related phrases include “getting a little action on the side” and “stepping out” on one's relationship.
- Someone may be considered a side piece if the person in the relationship reaches out to talk or vent, essentially engaging in an emotional affair.^{[3]
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- "Side piece jealousy" is when the cheater in the relationship gets angry and jealous after learning that their side piece is dating other people.

Section 2 of 4:

How to Use "Side Piece"

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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. Be careful how you use it to avoid offending or upsetting others.
- 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!”
  - “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!”
- 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.”

Section 3 of 4:

“Side Piece” Origins

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The term has origins in 1592 in relation to the parts of a gown.^{[4]
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Research source} However, it’s unclear when “side piece” became synonymous with extra-marital affairs. In modern times, the slang term “side piece” is used as a more modern, gender neutral version of “mistress.”^{[5]
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- It's possible that "side piece" evolved as a creative extension of the phrase, "Getting a little action on the side."

Section 4 of 4:

Is “side piece” offensive?

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The phrase has negative connotations, especially if you’re passing judgement on somebody having an affair. Be careful how you use it, because a false accusation could mean trouble for everyone involved. If you use "side piece" in a non-serious way, it can be used to poke a little fun in your relationship or at a close friend.