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Forget cushioning, the latest dating trend of 2017 has been revealed – and it is the most unpalatable yet.

'Pie hunting' is the act of deliberately seeking out singletons with a disastrous dating or relationship history.

Those who have been dumped by a string of previous partners, or whose hearts have been broken – preferably more than once – are said to be “thoroughly grateful” for the attention and less picky.

They are also more likely to agree to a one-night stand or to ongoing casual sex, and will “rarely, if ever”, cheat or end the relationship first.

The unsavoury tactic – employed by both men and women - derives its name from being ‘pied off’, the slang expression used by contestants on reality TV show Love Island for being stood up or ditched.

Pie hunting and ‘Pied Pipers’, the term given to seasoned ‘experts’, are now set to join the ranks of modern dating lexicon alongside ‘ghosting’, ‘haunting’ and ‘cushioning.

Dating expert and author Rex Wood says pie hunting is brutally effective because it exploits people at their lowest ebb.

(Image: Rex Wood)

Wood penned new book ‘Sexcellence: The Sex Spreadsheet’, out this week, to help Millennials navigate the increasingly murky waters of online dating.

He said: “Pie hunting, like so many other crude dating tactics, works because it takes advantage of people when they are at their most vulnerable.

“The mindset of the Pied Piper is simple: Why take the risk of dating resilient, invulnerable people – and being unsuccessful – when there plenty of men and women out there who will be thoroughly grateful for the attention and the chance of finding romance.”

Wood, who describes himself a former playboy and prolific dater, added: “Online dating is a minefield, and understanding the various tactics is key.

“Being forewarned is as good as being forearmed.”

(Image: Getty)

The dating world is already awash with strategies, plans and tactics.

If you’re not being ghosted (ignored) or cushioned (cheated on), then you’re probably being benched (relegated to the reserves list).

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But the most recent tactic to emerge from the quagmire of internet dating, pie hunting, might just be the most horrendous one yet.

Proponents purposefully seek out divorcees and any other “Pies” whose profile suggests a recent heartbreak.

These, they say, are “ripe” for a rebound.

But the most appealing Pies are said to be those who disclose calamitous past dates – the more the better.

(Image: Rex Wood)

Dating guru Wood, who coined the term, recounts 69 of his “greatest” sexual encounters and offers “well researched” tips and advice in his candid sex autobiography, Sexcellence.

He said pie hunting and other unsavoury tactics should not put people off internet dating.

But he added: “Try to get to know your would-be date in advance of meeting up, and analyse his or her correspondence for any sign of strategy or agenda.

“If you go into it with your eyes open, internet dating can be fun and the opportunity to find your Mr or Mrs Right.”