Meaning
Mother; also a warm, respectful term of address for an older woman, whether or not she is one's actual mother. 'Maama' carries deep affection and respect, and to call an elder woman 'maama' is to honour her the way you would your own mother. Note that as an adjective 'maama-man' is a separate, insulting term for a weak or effeminate man — a different word entirely from this term of respect.
Examples
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Maama, mi soon come.
Mother, I'll be back soon.
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Good mawnin, maama, how yuh do?
Good morning, ma'am, how are you?
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Him maama raise him good.
His mother raised him well.
Origin
A widespread nursery/African-reinforced form of 'mama' (mother). See [[mumma]], [[big-mumma]].
How it’s used
Mother; also a respectful address for an older woman. Distinct from the insult 'maama-man'. See [[mumma]], [[big-mumma]].