Molls

Molls are a historical term used to describe a female companion or associate of a gangster or criminal, particularly within American organized crime during the early to mid-20th century. The word is most closely tied to the Prohibition era, when women often appeared as partners, lovers, or social confidants of male criminals. While some molls were romantically involved with gangsters, others served as close associates or social figures within criminal networks. The term itself tends to imply a close, personal connection to a male criminal figure rather than a formal role within the organization.

Etymology and usage of the term are uncertain. Moll is thought to have emerged as slang in early 20th-century urban communities, possibly derived from the diminutive form of feminine names or from slang expressions of the period. Since its heyday, moll has fallen largely out of common usage and is now considered dated. In modern language, it can carry gendered stereotypes about women and crime.

In popular culture, molls are frequently depicted in gangster films, literature, and songs as glamorous, shrewd, or morally ambiguous figures. Such portrayals often emphasize interpersonal dynamics within criminal circles, though they rarely reflect the full diversity of real-life experiences. In historical contexts, the roles of molls could range from social organizers and supporters to participants in illicit activities, but actual involvement varied widely among individuals.

Today, the term moll is seldom used in contemporary journalism or everyday speech. When it appears, it is typically in historical discussions, film criticism, or discussions of crime literature, and it is sometimes criticized for reinforcing outdated gender stereotypes.