What Does It Mean to "Molly Whop" Someone?

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A breakdown of this slang term & how to use it

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Last Updated: October 21, 2025

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Meaning

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Pop Culture

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How to Use

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Similar Slang Words

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If you've just heard the term “mollywop,” you might be wondering what on earth it means. Who’s Molly, and why do we want to “wop” her? Where did the word come from? This article will answer all of those burning questions (and more). Keep reading to get a comprehensive breakdown of this slang term, from the definition to how to use it.

Definition of Mollywhop

“Mollywop” is a slang term that means to hit someone hard. This usually refers to a knockout in a fight, but it can also be used metaphorically to describe an outstanding victory. It has famously appeared in shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel Air and in rap music, like “Molly Whop” by Daz Dillinger.

Section 1 of 4:

Mollywop Meaning

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“Mollywop” means to hit someone hard. To “mollywop” someone means to hit or strike them with force, once or repeatedly. When one person “mollywops” another, it means they beat them in a fight, usually by knocking them out. Often, this technique involves the person winding up their arm to land a hard punch on the unlucky person.
- Aside from its literal meaning, it can also be used metaphorically to suggest that a person or team beat out another by a landslide.
  - For example, sportscaster Mars Hall remarked on how the “Clippers got mollywhopped by the Kings by 38 points,” meaning they had an overwhelming victory.^{[1]
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- Although the origins of the term are uncertain, some people believe it has roots in the Southern and Eastern United States, while others claim it emerged in San Francisco.^{[2]
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- “Molliwop” can also refer to a mixed martial arts move in which one fighter purposely hits their own hand, allowing it to swing back only so it can come around and strike their opponent in the neck.^{[3]
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Section 2 of 4:

“Mollywhop” In Popular Culture

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“Mollywop” has left its mark on social media, TV, and music. One of the most memorable uses of this term comes from a season 4 episode of The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, which originally aired in 1994. In one specific scene, Will Smith’s character threatens another by saying, “You best press on before you get mollywhopped up in here!”^{[4]
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Research source} In a season 2 episode of Abbott Elementary, a student is speaking on a conflict between two teachers, exclaiming, “I thought Ms. Tiggs was gonna get mollywhopped!”^{[5]
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Research source} Mollywop! is also the name of a Detroit-based reggae and funk band, led by guitarist Malik Yakini.^{[6]
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- The slang word has been used as the title to a number of songs, including “MOLLYWOP” by BDXAN & Scottie the 3rd (2025), “Molly Whop” by Daz Dillinger (2023), and “Molly Whop” by Fat Ray, Kash Tha Kushman, & Danny Brown.
- “Mollywop” has gained a bit of traction on TikTok, with some users practicing their mollywops, while others offer their own definitions of the term.

Section 3 of 4:

How to Use “Mollywop”

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Use “mollywop” to describe a hard hit or overwhelming defeat. Although “mollywop” does sound like a funny expression, it is ultimately used to convey a violent act. While violence isn’t the answer, using silly and unique words to spice up your everyday conversations is! Use “mollywop” in its present or past tense to playfully intimidate, recount a story, or imply that one team beat another in a landslide victory. Here are some ideas:
- “You'd better stop it with that nonsense or you’re gonna get mollywopped!”
- “You could never beat me, I’d mollywop you!”
- “I was rooting for the Cubs, but they got mollywopped by the Brewers.”
- “Give me the remote or I’m gonna mollywop you.”

Section 4 of 4:

Similar Slang Words

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Other words for hitting someone include “wallop” and “whop.” As silly as it sounds rolling off the tongue, to “mollywop” someone means to beat them up. However, “mollywop” isn’t the only funny-sounding slang term for knocking someone out. For example, “wallop” means “to hit with force” or “to beat severely,” although it kind of sounds like the amount of cool whip to top a blueberry cobbler with.^{[7]
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Research source} “Whop” means to “beat, strike” or “defeat totally,” while its dictionary neighbor, “whup,” means to “assault” or “administer a beating”—ouch!^{[8]
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Research source} Here are some other slang terms that describe a whupping:
- Slug: A heavy blow, usually with the fist or a bat.
- Pummel: To pound or beat.
- Thrash: To beat severely with a stick or whip.
- Clout: A hand-dealt blow.