Someone who shares a bed with another person, or more figuratively, an unlikely ally or partner.
From 'bed' + 'fellow' (a companion or person). Used since the 1300s, it originally meant someone literally sharing a bed, but gained a metaphorical meaning in Shakespeare's time for strange partnerships.
The phrase 'strange bedfellows' is super common in politics and history—it means unlikely partners working together! Politics makes for strange bedfellows is a famous saying about unlikely alliances.
Historically carried gendered moral judgment about intimate relationships and cohabitation, with different standards applied to men versus women sharing beds.
Use neutrally to mean any person sharing space/situation without implying moral judgment based on gender or relationship status.
["bedmate","roommate","associate","ally"]
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