Meaning
A godmother — a woman who sponsors a child at christening and takes a lasting role in that child's life and upbringing. In Jamaican family and church culture the tie is taken seriously: a godmadda gives gifts, guidance, and support, and is treated as close kin. The child is her 'godpickney'.
Examples
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Mi godmadda always memba mi birthday.
My godmother always remembers my birthday.
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She stan up as godmadda a di christening.
She stood as godmother at the christening.
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Him godmadda help pay him school fee.
His godmother helped pay his school fees.
Origin
From 'godmother' with the Patois shift of 'mother' to 'madda'. See [[madda]], [[godfada]].
How it’s used
A godmother; a serious kin-like bond in Jamaican family and church life. Her godchild is 'godpickney'. See [[godfada]], [[madda]].