Crossword Genius

Infection consuming upper-class womaniser (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stud

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'womaniser' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

'infection consuming upper-class' is the wordplay.
'infection' becomes 'std' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'consuming' indicates putting letters inside.
'upper-class' becomes 'u' (similar in meaning).
'std' enclosing 'u' is 'STUD'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for stud that I've seen before include "sort of stable" , "Bolt" , "Small piece of jewellery" , "Large-headed nail" , "Clothes fastener in horse establishment" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app