moll

/mɔl/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
Definition
  1. 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
  1. the girlfriend of a gangster

Từ đồng nghĩa

Từ gần giống

Từ chứa "moll"