Internet
cushioning
What does cushioning mean?
The set of backup people themselves, sometimes called cushions.
"He keeps a couple of cushions warm so he's never single for long."
Origin
From the idea of having a soft cushion to fall back on. Popularised by dating writers in the late 2010s and absorbed into Gen-Z relationship vocabulary.
Frequently asked questions
What does cushioning mean in slang?
It's keeping backup romantic options on the side while in a relationship, so you have someone to fall back on if it ends.
Is cushioning cheating?
It exists in a grey area; it may not involve physical cheating, but the emotional hedging and secret flirting are widely seen as a betrayal of trust.
How is cushioning different from a roster?
A roster is for single people juggling options openly. Cushioning happens while you're already supposedly committed to someone.
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