moll
/mɔl/
Definition
- Noun:
- The girlfriend or female companion of a criminal, especially a gangster: A "moll" is a slang term for a woman who is romantically involved with a male criminal. The term often implies she is aware of his illegal activities and may be associated with his lifestyle.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The gangster arrived at the speakeasy with his moll on his arm.
- In old noir films, the detective often questions the mob boss's moll.
- She was more than just a moll; she was an accomplice in his schemes.
Advanced Usage
- Historical Context: The term "moll" was particularly common in American slang during the Prohibition and Depression eras (1920s-1930s) and is strongly associated with gangster films and hardboiled detective fiction.
- Connotation: While it literally means a gangster's girlfriend, the word can carry derogatory implications, sometimes suggesting the woman is of low moral character or is herself involved in petty crime.
Variants and Related Words
- Gun moll: A more specific compound term for a gangster's female companion who is also involved in criminal activity, often by carrying or handling weapons. (Note: This is listed as a related compound term, not as the definition of "moll" itself).
- The police were looking for the gun moll who drove the getaway car.
Synonyms
- Girlfriend (in this specific criminal context)
- Paramour (a lover, often secretive or illicit)
- Mistress
Related Idioms
- Moll buzzer: (Historical slang) A pickpocket who specifically targets women.
- The detective warned the crowd to beware of moll buzzers in the busy market.
Noun
-
the girlfriend of a gangster
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