Meaning
A stepmother — the Patois pronunciation of 'stepmother' ('mada' = mother). The woman who partners a child's father. As in folk tales the world over, the 'wicked stepmother' is a stock figure of Anancy stories and children's warnings, though real step-madas are as varied as anyone.
Examples
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Har step-mada treat har good.
Her stepmother treats her well.
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Di story tell bout a wicked step-mada.
The story tells of a wicked stepmother.
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Him get a step-mada wen puppa marry again.
He got a stepmother when dad married again.
Origin
The Patois pronunciation of 'stepmother' ('mada' = mother); the 'wicked stepmother' is a folk-tale stock figure.
How it’s used
A stepmother. Compare 'step-fada', 'madda', 'nana'. Figures in Anancy/folk tales.