mammy
/'mæmi/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. An informal or affectionate term for one's mother: Used primarily in some dialects and informal contexts, often by or to young children. 2. An offensive historical term for a Black nursemaid or nanny, especially in the southern United States: This usage is a derogatory racial stereotype from the era of slavery and segregation and is considered highly offensive today.
Usage
- Informal term for mother:
- The little boy cried for his mammy when he fell.
- She still calls her mother "Mammy."
- Offensive historical term:
- The film depicted the problematic "mammy" stereotype common in old Southern households. (Note: This example describes the stereotype, not uses the term directly as an address.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is regionally specific. Its use as "mother" is more common in certain dialects, such as in Ireland, Scotland, and parts of the southern United States.
- In its second, offensive meaning, the word is almost exclusively used in historical or critical discussions about racism, stereotypes, and American history. It should not be used to refer to a person.
Variants and Related Words
- Mama (n): Another informal term for mother, generally considered neutral and widespread.
- Mommy (n): A common informal term for mother, especially in American English.
- Nanny (n): A person employed to care for children in a private household. This is the standard, non-offensive term for a childcare worker.
Synonyms
- For meaning 1 (informal mother): Mom, Mum, Mama, Mommy.
- For meaning 2 (historical nursemaid): Nursemaid, Nanny (These are the standard, non-offensive synonyms).
Important Note on Usage
- The second meaning of mammy is a deeply offensive racial slur rooted in the exploitation of Black women. Its use outside of an academic discussion of its historical context is unacceptable and will cause serious offense.
- Even the first meaning (mother) is now less common in many places, with "mommy" or "mama" being preferred, partly to avoid any association with the offensive stereotype.
Noun
- informal terms for a mother
- an offensive term for a Black nursemaid in the southern U.S.