mollycoddle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Informal, slightly old-fashioned, often humorous or pejorative.
Quick answer
What does “mollycoddle” mean?
to treat someone with excessive care and indulgence, making them weak or spoilt.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to treat someone with excessive care and indulgence, making them weak or spoilt.
To overprotect, pamper, or indulge someone to the point of preventing the development of independence, resilience, or character.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood and used in both varieties. It might be perceived as slightly more British due to its historical roots and the more common British use of 'molly' as a term. No significant usage difference.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries a pejorative, critical connotation. It suggests outdated, misguided, or effeminate softness.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but perhaps slightly more likely to be encountered in British literary or journalistic commentary on social issues.
Grammar
How to Use “mollycoddle” in a Sentence
Subject + verb + object (e.g., Parents mollycoddle their children.)Passive voice (e.g., He was mollycoddled as a child.)Gerund/Noun form (e.g., This mollycoddling has to stop.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mollycoddle” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- His grandmother would mollycoddle him whenever he had the slightest sniffle.
- The headmaster argued that schools must not mollycoddle pupils.
American English
- They didn't want to mollycoddle the rookie player; he needed to learn the hard way.
- Stop mollycoddling the interns and give them real work.
adverb
British English
- Not a standard form. Use phrases like 'in a mollycoddling way'.
American English
- Not a standard form. Use phrases like 'in a mollycoddling way'.
adjective
British English
- He had a mollycoddled upbringing, never lifting a finger at home.
- The report warned of a mollycoddled generation unprepared for challenges.
American English
- She rebelled against her mollycoddled childhood by joining the Marines.
- His mollycoddled attitude made him difficult to work with on tough projects.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could be used metaphorically: 'The company can't afford to mollycoddle underperforming divisions.'
Academic
Used in sociological or educational critiques: 'The study critiques policies that mollycoddle students and undermine academic rigor.'
Everyday
Most common in discussions about parenting or generational differences: 'We didn't get mollycoddled like kids do today.'
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mollycoddle”
- Using it as a synonym for simple 'care'. It is always excessive. *'She mollycoddled the patient back to health.' (Incorrect unless implying the care was counterproductive).
- Confusing spelling: 'mollycodle', 'molicoddle'.
- Using it in a positive context. It is almost always negative.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is informal and somewhat old-fashioned. It is used in commentary and criticism, not in formal reports.
Extremely rarely. Its usage is almost always negative or critical, implying that the treatment is harmful in the long run.
'Mollycoddle' is stronger and more pejorative. 'Coddle' can mean to cook gently or to treat tenderly, which can be neutral. 'Mollycoddle' always implies excessive, weakening indulgence.
It dates from the mid-19th century. 'Molly' was an archaic term for an effeminate man or a milksop, and 'coddle' meant to treat tenderly. Combined, they create a word for treating someone like a weak, effeminate person.
to treat someone with excessive care and indulgence, making them weak or spoilt.
Mollycoddle: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɒl.iˌkɒd.əl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɑː.liˌkɑː.dəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Wrap someone in cotton wool (similar meaning).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Molly' as a gentle, old-fashioned name and 'coddle' as in cooking eggs gently (coddled eggs). To MOLLY-CODDLE is to treat someone with a gentle, fussy, old-fashioned softness that might not be good for them.
Conceptual Metaphor
CHILD-REARING IS A PROCESS OF TOUGHENING (and to mollycoddle is to fail at this process). / STRENGTH IS HARDNESS; WEAKNESS IS SOFTNESS.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following situations best illustrates 'mollycoddling'?