Mémère
Louisiana, affectionate
Cajun children call their grandmother Mémère. The standard word is grand-mère, but Mémère is what most families use at home.
Meaning: grandmother (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| Mémère | Louisiana, affectionate |
| grand-mère | standard |
You can use Mémère as a name when you speak to her, as in Bonjour, Mémère. The matching word for grandfather is Pépère.
How do you pronounce it?
Mémère sounds like "may-MAIR". In Louisiana English the word became "Maw-Maw".
Did you know?
- The Louisiana English nicknames "Maw-Maw" and "Paw-Paw" come from the French Mémère and Pépère.
Examples in context
- Mémère fait du gombo.Grandma is making gumbo.
- Je vais chez ma grand-mère.I am going to my grandmother's house.
- Merci, Mémère!Thank you, Grandma!
Example conversation
Little Camille visits her grandmother Mémère Odile on Sunday afternoon in Opelousas.
- CamilleBonjour, Mémère!Hello, Grandma!
- OdileBonjour, ma belle. Viens manger.Hello, my beauty. Come eat.
- CamilleMerci, Mémère.Thank you, Grandma.
