Definition

Noun: 1. A person who deceives a romantic partner by having a simultaneous secret relationship with someone else: This is the primary meaning, referring specifically to infidelity in a romantic or sexual context. 2. A person who is deceitful or betrays trust in a general sense: A less common, more figurative use describing someone who is duplicitous or goes back on their word.

Usage and Examples

• Noun (Primary Meaning):
  • She found out he was a two-timer when she saw his messages to another woman.
  • I can't believe you're dating a known two-timer; he's never been faithful.
• Noun (Figurative Meaning):
  • He promised to support our project, but the two-timer voted against it. (This usage is informal and emphasizes betrayal.)

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• The term is highly informal and carries a strong negative, judgmental connotation. It implies not just infidelity, but also cowardice and sneakiness for maintaining the deception.
• It is often used in a gendered way, though it can apply to any person. The related term "two-timing" is used as an adjective or verb (e.g., , ).

Variants and Related Words

• Two-timing (adjective/verb): The act of being a two-timer.
• Cheater: A more direct synonym for the primary meaning.
• Philanderer: A more formal term, often for a man who has many casual affairs.

Synonyms

• Cheater
• Adulterer
• Philanderer (specifically for a man)
• Betrayer (for the general sense)

Idioms and Common Phrases

• To two-time someone: The verbal phrase meaning to deceive a partner by seeing someone else.
  • He was two-timing his girlfriend with her best friend.

Noun

1. a person who says one thing and does another
2. someone who deceives a lover or spouse by carrying on a sexual relationship with somebody else