What does mollycoddling mean?
Mollycoddling refers to the act of treating someone with excessive care and attention, often in a way that is considered overly indulgent or spoiling. This behavior can be seen in parents who do not let their children learn from their mistakes, or in coaches who give their star players special treatment. Mollycoddling can imply a lack of discipline or tough love, and is often used to describe a behavior that is considered overly indulgent or spoiling. It is a useful word to describe situations where someone is being treated too kindly or is not being pushed hard enough. The word has been in use since the 17th century, and is derived from the word 'coddle', which means to treat someone with excessive care and attention. Mollycoddling is a noun, and is often used in British and American English.
nounThe act of treating someone with excessive care and attention, often in a way that is considered overly indulgent or spoiling.
- The act of treating someone with excessive care and attention, often in a way that is considered overly indulgent or spoiling.
"The coach was accused of mollycoddling his star player, giving him special treatment and not pushing him hard enough."
"The coach was accused of mollycoddling his star player, giving him special treatment and not pushing him hard enough."
"The parent was accused of mollycoddling their child, not letting them learn from their mistakes."
Mollycoddling is typically used as a countable noun, and the plural form is used when referring to multiple instances of the behavior.
"The coach was accused of mollycoddling his star player, and his assistant coach was accused of mollycoddling the other players."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of mollycoddling
The word mollycoddling is derived from the word 'coddle', which means to treat someone with excessive care and attention. The word 'molly' is an old-fashioned term for a child or a young person, and is thought to have originated in the 17th century. The word 'coddling' has been in use since the 17th century, and refers to the act of treating someone with excessive care and attention. The word mollycoddling is thought to have originated in the 19th century, and is derived from the words 'molly' and 'coddling'.
How mollycoddling is actually used
Mollycoddling is often used to describe a behavior that is considered overly indulgent or spoiling, particularly in a parental or coaching context. It can also imply a lack of discipline or tough love.