Mammy

Pronunciation: /ˈmæmi/

Definitions of mammy

noun a dialectal variant of mother, often used in a derogatory or stereotypical manner to refer to a black woman who is a domestic servant or nanny

Example Sentences

A1 My mammy makes the best pancakes.

A2 I always call my mother 'mammy'.

B1 Growing up, my mammy took care of me and my siblings.

B2 My mammy is a strong and independent woman.

C1 I have a close relationship with my mammy, she is my rock.

C2 My mammy has always been there for me, no matter what.

Examples of mammy in a Sentence

formal The young child was raised by her mammy in the countryside.

informal My mammy makes the best apple pie in town.

slang Hey mammy, can you pass me the remote?

figurative The old oak tree stood tall and strong, like a mammy protecting her young.

Grammatical Forms of mammy

• past tense: mammied
• plural: mammies
• comparative: more mammy
• superlative: most mammy
• present tense: mammies
• future tense: will mammy
• perfect tense: have mammyed
• continuous tense: is mammying
• singular: mammy
• positive degree: mammy
• infinitive: to mammy
• gerund: mammying
• participle: mammyed

Origin and Evolution of mammy

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The word 'mammy' originated from the Southern United States and is believed to have been derived from the word 'mammy' used by African American slaves to refer to their female caretakers.

Evolution of the word: Initially used as a term of endearment or familiarity by white children towards their African American caretakers, the word 'mammy' later took on a derogatory connotation due to its association with the stereotypical portrayal of African American women as overweight, submissive, and maternal figures in popular culture.