granny
The Jamaican word for grandmother is granny.
The term refers to the mother of one's parent.
Meaning: mother of someone's parent (noun)
Which one should you use?
While granny is the common term, you may also encounter Nanny or Grammy. Nanny is an informal term used affectionately, and Grammy is an informal term used within intimate circles.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The word granny is the common informal term used for a grandmother in Jamaica. Other forms like Nanny and Grammy are also informal and used affectionately or within intimate circles.
Did you know?
- Because of the historical influence of African kinship structures, a child may call multiple older women granny to reflect an extended community bond.
- In traditional Jamaican culture, the granny is often viewed as the primary keeper of oral history, folklore and herbal medicine secrets for the family.
- While granny is an informal term in English, in Jamaica it functions as a formal marker of seniority and authority within the family hierarchy.
Examples in context
- Mi granny sweet.My grandmother is sweet.
- Di granny cook di best food.The grandmother cooks the best food.
Example conversation
Damion and Shanti are talking about their families.
- DamionYuh granny coming to di party?Is your grandmother coming to the party?
- ShantiYes, mi granny will be here soon.Yes, my grandmother will be here soon.
- DamionMi love how she tell stories.I love how she tells stories.
- ShantiShe have di best stories inna di world.She has the best stories in the world.
