grandma
/ˈɡɹænmɑː/
Word Rarity
Uncommon
Frequency: 4.11 in modern English
11
Scrabble Score
7
Letters
2
Syllables
6
Unique Chars
Meaning
name
An unfriendly and disparaging way of addressing an elderly woman whose name is unknown.
Derogatory; Slang
Example Sentences
- "This Laura had died within a year of her marriage, but Lottie had claimed relationship to the family just the same, grandma-ing Mrs. Richards and aunty-ing the sisters. John, however, was never called uncle, except in fun."
- "“But Grandma—,” I said. […] “And don’t you go ‘Grandma-ing’ me neither,” she said."
- "“Gran-” Nancy started. / “Quit Grandma-ing me girl.[…]” Grandma Wilson insisted."
- "“He can be my doctor anytime.” / “Grandma, eww!” / “Oh, stop grandma-ing me. You know I hate that. Come introduce us.”"
- "And what about Cliff working on cars and painting signs, and Wendy working nights to take care of that baby, and young Allen raking leaves for everyone, and Doris grandmaing folks, and wounded folks bouncing back to life . . . ?”"
- "“I don’t want you to be a grandma.” / But why, I wondered, worried that he perceived some defect in my grandma-ing ability. Doesn’t he think I’ll be a good grandma?"
Etymology
From grand- + ma, after grandmother.
Word Breakdown
Usage
Inflected Forms
grandmas (plural)
granma (alternative)
gran'ma (alternative)
gramma (alternative)
grandmas (present, singular)
grandma-ing (participle, present)
grandmaing (participle, present)
grandmaed (participle, past)
grandmaed (past)