molly: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, Slang (drug sense); Specialized (fish sense); Archaic/Offensive (historical sense).
Quick answer
What does “molly” mean?
A colloquial term for the psychoactive drug MDMA (ecstasy), typically in powder or crystalline form.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A colloquial term for the psychoactive drug MDMA (ecstasy), typically in powder or crystalline form.
A common name for a type of small, livebearing freshwater fish (Poecilia sphenops), often kept in aquariums. Historically, a derogatory term for an effeminate man or a male homosexual (archaic).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. The drug sense is prevalent in both varieties. The fish is known by the same common name.
Connotations
In both, the drug sense carries strong associations with club culture, raves, and illegal substance use. The fish sense is neutral.
Frequency
The drug sense is significantly more frequent in general discourse than the fish sense.
Grammar
How to Use “molly” in a Sentence
[Subject] takes/buys/sells/does molly.[Subject] is on molly.They tested the molly [for purity].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “molly” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He's planning to molly this weekend at the rave. (slang, rare/derived)
American English
- They decided to molly at the festival. (slang, rare/derived)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rare; may appear in sociological, pharmacological, or criminological papers discussing drug use.
Everyday
Common in informal discussions about recreational drugs; otherwise rare.
Technical
Used in herpetology/aquarium circles for the fish Poecilia sphenops.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “molly”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “molly”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “molly”
- Capitalising it as a proper noun (usually lowercase).
- Using it in formal writing without definition.
- Confusing it with 'mollycoddle' (to pamper).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They both refer to MDMA, but 'ecstasy' often implies the drug in pill form, while 'molly' typically refers to a purer powder or crystal form, though the terms are often used interchangeably.
No, it is informal slang. In formal or academic contexts, use the technical term 'MDMA' or '3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine'.
No. Its second most common meaning is for a popular livebearing aquarium fish, the molly (Poecilia sphenops).
It was used as a derogatory term for an effeminate man or a male homosexual, reinforcing negative stereotypes. This usage is now obsolete and considered highly offensive.
A colloquial term for the psychoactive drug MDMA (ecstasy), typically in powder or crystalline form.
Molly: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɒli/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɑːli/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Rolling on molly (experiencing the drug's effects).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Molly' as a person's name. In slang, it's the 'name' given to the drug MDMA. For the fish, remember 'Molly the fish' in the aquarium.
Conceptual Metaphor
PERSONIFICATION (Drug): The drug is given a human name ('Molly'), potentially softening or familiarizing a dangerous substance.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'molly' considered archaic and offensive?