Mollymawk

Mollymawk is a term that can refer to several different things, most commonly a seabird or a type of insult. As a seabird, "mollymawk" is a colloquial name for any of several species of albatrosses, particularly those in the genus Thalassarche. These are medium-sized albatrosses known for their distinctive white and grey plumage and black wingtips. They are found in the Southern Hemisphere, inhabiting the open ocean and breeding on remote islands. Their diet consists mainly of squid, fish, and krill, which they catch by surface-seizing.

The term can also be used as a mild insult, often implying someone is foolish, silly, or a bit of a simpleton. This usage is less common in modern times but can still be encountered. The origin of this second meaning is somewhat obscure, but it is thought to be related to the perceived clumsy or vacant appearance of the seabirds. In some contexts, it can also be used to describe a messy or untidy person or thing.