Definition

Noun: - The girlfriend or female companion of a gangster or criminal: The term specifically refers to a woman romantically involved with a male criminal, often implying she is aware of and possibly involved in his illicit activities. It is a dated, informal term originating from American slang.

Usage

• The term is used to identify a woman based on her romantic association with a criminal.
• It carries a colloquial and somewhat sensationalist tone, frequently found in historical accounts, crime fiction, or journalism about organized crime.
• Example:

Advanced Usage

• The term is considered archaic and is primarily used in a historical context or to evoke a specific period (e.g., the Prohibition era in the United States).
• It often connotes a glamorous, dangerous, or complicit lifestyle, as portrayed in classic gangster films.

Variants and Related Words

• Moll (noun): A shorter, more general slang term for a gangster's girlfriend or a female criminal. "Gun moll" is a more specific compound of this term.
• Mob wife (noun): A more modern, though still informal, term that can carry similar connotations but may also refer to a legally married spouse within organized crime circles.

Synonyms

• Gangster's girlfriend
• Gangster's mistress
• Mob girl (informal)

Notes on Meaning

• The "gun" in "gun moll" emphasizes the violent, armed criminal context of the relationship. It distinguishes her from a "moll" who might be associated with non-violent crime.
• The term is inherently gendered and specifically denotes a female partner. There is no direct male equivalent with the same cultural resonance.

Noun

1. the girlfriend of a gangster