madda
The Jamaican word for mother is madda.
madda is an informal variation of the English word mother used among Jamaican youth and in urban communities.
Meaning: female (human) who gives birth to or parents a child (noun)
Which one should you use?
Other variations exist such as Mama, Mummy or the regional term Mammy.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the parish of St. Elizabeth, Mammy may be used to address a mother.
When do people say it?
In Jamaican households, Mama is an affectionate and informal way to say 'mom'. Mummy is a common term used to address a mother in Jamaican Patois.
Did you know?
- In Jamaican Patois, the word madda is often used in the phrase madda land to refer to one's ancestral homeland or birthplace.
- The use of madda in dancehall music often symbolizes the 'source' of life or strength, moving beyond a simple family relationship to represent a spiritual pillar.
- The variation madda follows a common pattern in Jamaican Patois where the final 'er' sound of an English word is replaced by an 'a' sound.
Examples in context
- Mi kiss mi mumma pon har cheek.I kissed my mother on her cheek.
- Mi madda cook di best food.My mother cooks the best food.
- She a mi madda.She is my mother.
- Di madda love har pickney.The mother loves her child.
Example conversation
Ricardo and Tanesha are talking about their families.
- RicardoWhere yuh madda from, Tanesha?Where is your mother from, Tanesha?
- TaneshaMi madda born in Kingston.My mother was born in Kingston.
- RicardoShe still live deh?Does she still live there?
- TaneshaNo, she move a country side.No, she moved to the countryside.
