עלטער־באָבע
elter-bobe
The Yiddish phrase for great grandmother is עלטער־באָבע (elter-bobe).
עלטער־באָבע is used to refer to the mother of one's grandmother or grandfather.
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of עלטער (elter), meaning 'elder' or 'older' and באָבע (bobe), meaning 'grandmother'.
How do you pronounce it?
elter-bobe
Did you know?
- The word באָבע can be used as a playful or ironic jab at someone who is acting too cautious or old-fashioned, regardless of their actual age.
- In Yiddish culture, the term באָבע is frequently used as a gesture of respect and affection for any elderly woman in the community, even if there is no biological connection.
- In some Yiddish dialects, a great grandmother might be called a גרוס־באָבע (grus-bobe), which more closely mirrors the English 'great' rather than the Yiddish עלטער meaning 'elder'.
Examples in context
- איך האָב א פֿאָטאָ פֿון מיין עלטער־באָבע.ikh hob a foto fun mayn alter-bobe.I have a photo of my great grandmother.
Example conversation
Miriam and Avraham are looking at a family photo album.
- מרים Miriamאַברהם, ווער איז די פֿרוי אויף דעם פֿאָטאָ?avraham, ver iz di froy oyf dem foto?Avraham, who is the woman in this photo?
- אברהם Avrahamדאָס איז מיין עלטער־באָבע.dos iz mayn elter-bobe.That is my great grandmother.
- מרים Miriamזי זעט זייער יונג אויס!zi zet zeyer yung oys!She looks very young!
- אברהם Avrahamיאָ, זי איז געווען זייער שיין.yo, zi iz geven zeyer sheyn.Yes, she was very beautiful.
