Pronunciation: [mˈɒlz] (IPA) 
The term "molls" is a plural of "moll," which refers to a woman who is associated with criminals or gangsters. The spelling of "molls" can be explained through IPA phonetic transcription as /mɒlz/. This means the "m" is pronounced with a short "o" sound followed by a double "l" that is pronounced with a long "o" sound. The final "s" is silent, so the word is pluralized simply by adding the "s" at the end.
Molls are defined as female companions or partners of criminal gang members or mobsters, particularly during the 1920s and 1930s. The term originated in the United States and is primarily associated with the era of Prohibition, when organized crime syndicates were heavily involved in illegal activities such as bootlegging and gambling.
Molls were known for their close association with criminals and were often characterized as glamorous and seductive women. They played various roles within the criminal enterprise, ranging from providing emotional support and companionship to actively participating in criminal activities. Molls were known to be resourceful and street-smart, often having knowledge about illicit operations and frequently aiding in their execution.
The word "molls" is derived from the British slang term "molly," which originally referred to a prostitute or promiscuous woman. However, its meaning evolved in the American context to denote a female partner to a criminal. Molls were often admired and romanticized in popular culture, depicted in movies, literature, and plays as femme fatales or women attracted to the excitement and danger associated with the criminal lifestyle.
While the term "molls" is mainly used to refer to historical figures, it is still occasionally employed in contemporary contexts to describe women associated with organized crime or those who willingly involve themselves with criminals.
The word "molls" is believed to be derived from the slang term "moll", which originated in the 17th century. "Moll" was used to refer to a prostitute or a companion of a criminal. The etymology of "moll" itself is uncertain, but it is thought to have possibly derived from the Hebrew name Mary, which was commonly associated with prostitutes during that period. Another theory suggests that "moll" might have derived from the Dutch word "moer" or "moeder", meaning "mother", which was used to refer to a woman who was in charge of a criminal gang or network. Over time, the term "moll" evolved into "molls" to indicate multiple female companions of criminals or gangsters.
