From Ancient Germans to Byzantine Emperors: How the Expression 'to Put on Horns' Originated 0 7

Perhaps many have heard the expression 'to put on horns.' It is a fairly common idiom used in the context of infidelity. But why is betrayal associated with horns rather than some other object? UNIAN will explain the origin of this expression.

Why Infidelity is Called 'to Put on Horns' – Historical Context

There are several versions of why it is said that horns grow when it comes to the infidelity of a partner. But the most common explanation has roots in ancient Germanic customs.

It is claimed that in ancient times, when men went off to war, their wives would put helmets with horns on them. This attribute symbolized that while the husband was at war, the woman was free, as her betrothed might not return.

However, there were cases when the husband did return and found out that their family now had three members – as one can guess, it was not about a child. This is how the famous expression 'to put on horns' is explained in the context of infidelity.

Why is it Said 'to Put on Horns' – The Byzantine Emperor Version

An equally intriguing explanation of the phrase about 'horned husbands' comes from a story in Byzantium. It is believed that Emperor Andronicus Comnenus was quite amorous, and there were many women in his favor.

To prevent husbands from being outraged, the ruler allowed them to hunt in protected areas. And at home, Andronicus's lovers adorned their entrances with massive deer horns right above the front door.

Initially, this expression was used in relation to husbands whose wives were not faithful. But can a woman put on horns from a linguistic point of view?

In the modern world, the boundaries of using this idiom have become quite blurred, so it is applicable in the context of male infidelity as well. However, although technically there are no issues with this, you must agree that the phrase 'he put horns on his wife' sounds a bit unnatural. In this case, it is better to use synonymous expressions: to have an affair, to cheat, to have a romance on the side, and so on.