mater

/'meitə/

Thân thiện

The young boy called out "Mater!" as he ran across the field.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • An informal term for "mother": "Mater" is a colloquial, often humorous or affectionate term for one's mother. It originates from the Latin word for mother and is sometimes used by British schoolboys or in a facetious manner.

Usage

• Informal/Facetious Context: This word is used in informal speech, often to sound humorous, old-fashioned, or affectionately pretentious. It is not typically used in formal writing or serious conversation.
• British Association: While understood elsewhere, its usage is particularly associated with British English, especially in historical or school-related contexts.

Examples

• Noun:
  • I must write a letter to my mater this weekend. (I must write a letter to my mother this weekend.)
  • He said, "The mater will be cross if I'm late for tea." (He said, "Mother will be angry if I'm late for tea.")

Advanced Usage

• "Alma Mater": This is a fixed Latin phrase meaning "nourishing mother," used to refer to the school, college, or university one attended.
  • He gave a large donation to his alma mater. (He gave a large donation to the university he graduated from.)
• "Pater and Mater": Used together in a jocular or archaic way to refer to one's father and mother.
  • I'm spending the holidays with the pater and mater. (I'm spending the holidays with my father and mother.)

Variants and Related Words

• Alma Mater (n): The school or university one attended.
• Pater (n): An informal, often humorous term for father, from the Latin .

Synonyms

• Mother: The standard and neutral term.
• Mum/Mom: Common informal terms.
• Mummy/Mommy: Childish or affectionate terms.

Notes

• Register: "Mater" is marked by a very specific register. It is informal, often used jokingly to sound old-fashioned or upper-class. Its use can sometimes be perceived as ironic or affected.
• Frequency: It is a relatively uncommon word in modern general use, mostly found in historical novels, comedic writing, or specific cultural references.

Học thuật

Noun

1. an informal use of the Latin word for mother; sometimes used by British schoolboys or used facetiously