Meaning and usage of the word stepdad in English

The term "stepdad" is a relatively modern creation, with its earliest recorded use dating back to the late 19th century. Prior to this, people who took on a parenting role after getting married were often referred to as "stepfathers" or "second fathers." The term "stepdad" likely emerged as a colloquialism or slang expression in informal contexts, such as in everyday conversation or popular culture. In the early 20th century, dictionaries began to include the term "stepdad" as a recognized variant of "stepfather." Today, both "stepdad" and "stepfather" are widely used to refer to a man who marries a woman with children and takes on a parental role in their lives.