The word "mollycoddled" is spelled with two L's, despite the fact that the pronunciation doesn't seem to warrant it. The IPA phonetic transcription of the word is /ˈmɑːliˌkɑdəld/, which shows that the first syllable has a long vowel sound and the second syllable is stressed. The double L is actually a result of "molly" being an old-fashioned term for a male prostitute, which was later used to describe a weak or effeminate man. When the word "coddle" was added, the double L stayed to indicate the past tense of this particular insult.
Mollycoddled is an adjective that refers to someone who is excessively pampered, treated with excessive care or overprotected. It is commonly used to describe individuals who are constantly sheltered from any form of hardship, difficulty or discomfort.
The term "mollycoddled" originates from the combination of the names Molly and Coddle, which were common names during the 19th century when the term first came into use. The use of the term implies that the person being described is excessively coddled or babied, often to the point where they lack independence, resilience, or the ability to cope with challenges.
A mollycoddled person is typically shielded from the realities and responsibilities of life, as their needs and desires are attended to and catered for in an exaggerated or indulgent manner. This can result in a lack of self-reliance, self-confidence, and adaptability, as the individual has not been exposed to the necessary experiences that foster personal growth and development.
The term "mollycoddled" can also be used in a broader context to describe a society or group that is overly protective, excessively cautious, or excessively regulated. In such cases, it suggests that the group or society is failing to promote independence, initiative, and the ability to confront challenges, potentially hindering individual and societal progress.
In summary, to be mollycoddled means to be excessively sheltered, pampered, or protected from hardships or difficulties, resulting in a lack of independence, self-reliance, and resilience.
The word "mollycoddled" is believed to originate from two separate terms that were combined together to form a new word.
The first part of the word, "molly", is derived from the name Molly, which was often used as a nickname for Mary in the 18th and 19th centuries. It became associated with being delicate, weak, or coddled due to the pejorative usage of the term "molly" to refer to effeminate men.
The second part of the word, "coddled", comes from the verb "to coddle", which means to treat someone indulgently or in an excessively overprotective manner. This usage dates back to the 16th century and is derived from the Old English word "codd", meaning "to boil gently" or "to pamper".