Mommy's Little Monster (Gotham)

"Mommy's Little Monster" is a recurring nickname applied to Oswald Cobblepot (the Penguin) in the Fox television series Gotham. It is primarily used by his mother, Gertrude Kapelput, throughout the series, particularly during the first two seasons. The phrase is used both affectionately and manipulatively by Gertrude, reflecting her complex and often controlling relationship with her son.

The nickname highlights Oswald's dependence on his mother and her influence over him, even as he attempts to assert his own power and ambition within the criminal underworld of Gotham City. It emphasizes the infantilizing aspects of their dynamic, portraying Oswald as perpetually needing his mother's approval and guidance.

Over the course of the series, as Oswald's character develops and he gains more power and independence, the frequency and impact of the nickname diminish. However, it remains a significant element in understanding his early motivations and the psychological roots of his villainy. The phrase is also occasionally used by other characters as a derogatory term, highlighting Oswald's perceived weakness or lack of self-sufficiency. The use of "Mommy's Little Monster" underscores the theme of familial relationships and their impact on shaping character within the Gotham universe.