The term 'The Mamas and the PAPAS' is a popular American folk rock vocal group from the 1960s. The group was made up of John Phillips, Denny Doherty, Cass Elliot, and Michelle Phillips. They are best known for their hits 'California Dreamin'' and 'Monday, Monday'. The term 'The Mamas and the PAPAS' is a reference to the four members of the group, with 'PAPAS' referring to the two male members and 'Mamas' referring to the two female members.