lelang
The Ilocano word for grandma is lelang.
lelang is used to mean grandmother in an informal context.
Meaning: grandmother (informal) (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain Ilocano-speaking regions, the variation Amma is encountered when addressing grandmothers.
Did you know?
- Calling an unrelated elderly woman lelang is a practiced way to show communal respect. It signals that the speaker views the elder as a member of their extended social family.
- While lelang is informal, it is often used in songs and poetry to evoke a sense of nostalgic rural life in the Ilocos region.
- If you are in a formal Ilocano gathering, using the informal lelang to address a matriarch might be seen as too casual. One should switch to Amma to avoid appearing disrespectful to her position.
Example conversation
Maria and Ricardo are visiting their grandmother's house.
- MariaAdda ni lelang ditoy.Grandma is here.
- RicardoKayat ko a makita isuna.I want to see her.
- MariaUmayen ni lelang ditoy.Grandma is coming here.
- RicardoNaimbag a bigat, lelang!Good morning, grandma!
