Moloch is the personification of terrible systems or situations in society that everyone hates but don't get fixed.
Originally the name of a Canaanite god which received child sacrifices, Allen Ginsberg used Moloch to symbolize the state of industrial civilization in his poem "Howl".
The blogger Scott Alexander popularized the term as it is commonly used by many rationalists, although it was already in occasional use by historians and economics to describe systemic issues within or caused by their respective fields.
The term is often used by particularly condescending rationalists to talk down to public servants, academics, and occasionally founders of startups who are trying their best to change the world for the better but likely have no real power to do so.
Originally the name of a Canaanite god which received child sacrifices, Allen Ginsberg used Moloch to symbolize the state of industrial civilization in his poem "Howl".
The blogger Scott Alexander popularized the term as it is commonly used by many rationalists, although it was already in occasional use by historians and economics to describe systemic issues within or caused by their respective fields.
The term is often used by particularly condescending rationalists to talk down to public servants, academics, and occasionally founders of startups who are trying their best to change the world for the better but likely have no real power to do so.
Very often with capitalism, business practices are set by Moloch: No one person has any influence over the matter.
Oh, you're in welfare policy research? I thought Moloch had already eaten all the value there.
Oh, you're in welfare policy research? I thought Moloch had already eaten all the value there.
by dptimessmallconstant April 13, 2019
Get the Moloch mug.To be so turned on and in the moment of something, you accidentally ejaculate everywhere without making contact of your penis
Bob: Hey Alex, last night I saw the Victoria's Secret fashion show and couldn't help it, I Molo'd everywhere!!!
Alex:man it happens to the best of us, I just Molo'd last night turning on my lawnmower
Alex:man it happens to the best of us, I just Molo'd last night turning on my lawnmower
by Larryj69 December 11, 2013
Get the Molo'd mug.Mary Kate: Ugh, you are so moolo!
Julia: What does that mean?!
Mary Kate: The fact that you need to ask makes you even more moolo.
Julia: What does that mean?!
Mary Kate: The fact that you need to ask makes you even more moolo.
by drewsnotebook July 13, 2023
Get the Moolo mug.An incendiary created by filling a bottle with oil, petrol, or bathtub napalm, and lit with a rag fuse. Used by Bolshevic rebels in the 19th century, and various insurgents since.
Molotov anyone?
by Psiberzerker April 11, 2004
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