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

1. informal terms for a mother
2. an offensive term for a Black nursemaid in the southern U.S.