The term is an acronym for "Mother I’d Like to F***". It was popularized by the 1999 comedy film American Pie , where the character "Stifler's Mom" became the archetype for the trope.
: Historically, media often sidelined older women or cast them as caregivers. The MILF trope represented a shift toward acknowledging the sexual agency and appeal of women beyond their 20s. milfs vs young boys
Research into these dynamics suggests several psychological and social drivers for younger men (often in their late teens or early 20s) being drawn to older women: what does milf mean - AmazingTalker The term is an acronym for "Mother I’d Like to F***"