Maama

noun MAA-ma ˈmaːma

Also spelled mama, mumma, Muma, Momma

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.

  • Maama, mi soon come.

    Mother, I'll be back soon.

  • Good mawnin, maama, how yuh do?

    Good morning, ma'am, how are you?

  • Him maama raise him good.

    His mother raised him well.

  • Mi a go check mi mumma dis evenin.

    I'm going to visit my mother this evening.

    'A go' marks intention/future; 'check' here means to visit.

  • Mumma seh mi fi come home before dark.

    Mum said I must come home before dark.

    'Fi' introduces the obligation, like 'to/should'.

A widespread nursery/African-reinforced form of 'mama' (mother). See Big mumma.

Mother; also a respectful address for an older woman. Distinct from the insult 'maama-man'. See Big mumma.