עלטער־באָבע
elter-bobe
The English phrase "great grandma" is translated into Yiddish as עלטער־באָבע (elter-bobe).
This phrase is used to refer to the mother of one's grandmother or grandfather.
What does it mean word for word?
The term is a compound of עלטער (elter), meaning "older" or "elder" and באָבע (bobe), meaning "grandmother".
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is elter-bobe.
Did you know?
- The word באָבע is a cognate of the Russian word бабушка and the Polish babcia, reflecting the heavy influence of Slavic languages on Yiddish family terms.
- Calling a woman באָבע in certain contexts can be a playful or slightly teasing way to describe someone who is acting traditional or old-fashioned, regardless of their actual age.
- In many Yiddish-speaking households, עלטער־באָבע is rarely used as a direct address. Instead, children might use a more affectionate diminutive or a specific family nickname to speak to her.
Examples in context
- זי איז געווען אַ ליבע עלטער־באָבע.zi iz geven a libe alter-bobe.She was a beloved great grandma.
- מיר האָבן געזוכט די עלטער־באָבע.mir hobn gezukht di alter-bobe.We looked for the great grandma.
Example conversation
Yitzhak and Sarah are looking at a family photo album.
- יצחק Yitzchakווער איז דאָס אויף דעם פֿאָטאָ, שרה?ver iz dos oyf dem foto, Sarah?Who is this in the photo, Sarah?
- שרה Saraדאָס איז מיין עלטער־באָבע.dos iz mayn elter-bobe.This is my great grandma.
- יצחק Yitzchakזי זעט זייער פֿריילעך אויס.zi zet zeyer fraylekh oys.She looks very happy.
- שרה Saraיאָ, זי איז געווען זייער פֿריילעך.yo, zi iz geven zeyer fraylekh.Yes, she was very happy.
