Moll etymology

Etymology:

"Moll" is derived from the Old French word "mosle," meaning "soft," or "tender." It was originally a term of endearment for a young woman, but it later came to be used in a derogatory sense.

Meaning:

  1. A woman of loose morals or a prostitute.
  2. A woman who is unattractive or undesirable.
  3. A contemptuous term for a woman, especially one who is perceived as nagging, gossiping, or unpleasant.

Origin:

The term "moll" has been used in English since the 16th century. It is thought to have originated among the criminal underworld, where it was used to refer to a criminal's girlfriend or mistress. By the 18th century, it had become a more general term for a woman of ill repute.

In the early 20th century, "moll" was used in American slang to refer to a gangster's girlfriend. This usage was popularized by the film "Scarface" (1932), in which the main character, Tony Camonte, had a girlfriend named Poppy, who was known as his "moll."

Today, the term "moll" is considered derogatory and is rarely used in polite conversation.

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