What is the definition of a cookie and is it considered a slang term?

The term "cookie" has multiple meanings, both in a literal and slang sense. Here is a breakdown of its meanings:

Literal Meaning:

1. A small flat or slightly raised cake [1].
2. An attractive woman [1].

Slang Meaning:
In slang, "cookie" is often used as a term of endearment or affectionate nickname for someone, especially a woman. It is similar to terms like "sweetie" or "honey" and is used to express fondness or admiration for someone [1].

However, in the context of technology and the internet, the term "cookie" has a specific meaning:

Internet and Technology Meaning:
A cookie is a small file or part of a file stored on a user's computer by a website server. It is created and subsequently read by the website server, and it contains personal information such as a user identification code, customized preferences, or a record of pages visited [1].

Cookies are used for various purposes, including session management, personalization, and tracking. They allow websites to remember user preferences, keep users logged in, and provide a more personalized browsing experience. Cookies can be accessed by the browser user, the site a user is on, or by a third party that might use the information for different purposes [3].

Types of cookies include:

• HTTP cookies: The overall category of computer cookies used with modern web browsers to enable specific capabilities [3].
• Session cookies: Only persistent while the user is navigating or visiting a given website [3].
• Persistent cookies: Also known as permanent cookies, these persist for a configurable length of time or until a certain date set by the web server [3].
• First-party cookies: The cookie and information it contains are restricted to the same site on which it was set [3].
• Third-party cookies: These cookies are not restricted to the initial site where the cookie was created. They enable entities other than the original site to access them for user tracking and personalization purposes [3].

It's important to note that while cookies are generally safe and widely used, there are privacy concerns associated with third-party cookies, as they can track user behavior without their explicit knowledge or consent. Regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) provide guidelines for the use of cookies and the protection of user data [3].

Learn more:

1. Cookie Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
2. COOKIE Definition & Usage Examples | Dictionary.com
3. What is a Cookie?