Word of the Week - 7

MOLLYCODDLE

This is a verb that we use to describe the action of being over-protective, over-attentive and over-indulgent towards another person. It is most common between mothers and their sons but can also be used in other contexts when we want to say that people are being spoilt or treated with excessive indulgence.

Here is an example from the BBC News:

Do we mollycoddle our children? A childhood expert says that the overprotection of today's children means they miss out on vital experiences and don't learn how to look after themselves.

Here is a quote from Prince William talking about wanting to be treated the same as other British soldiers if he were to join the army - (which he has now done).

"The last thing I want to do is be mollycoddled or wrapped up in cotton wool because if I was to join the army I'd want to go where my men went, and I'd want to do what they did," he said.