mammy
[mam-ee]
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noun, plural mam·mies.
Informal. mother1.
Disparaging and Offensive. (formerly in the southern U.S.) a black woman engaged as a nurse to white children or as a servant to a white family.
Origin of mammy
Usage note
At the time of the Civil War and into the 20th century, the Southern mammy was characterized as being strong, kind, and loyal. But her image was also that of an overweight, unattractive, and often illiterate household slave. This reinforced racial stereotypes of inferiority and servility. See also Aunt Jemima.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for mammy
Historical Examples of mammy
Just then Maria put her head in at the door to say, "May Lilly, yo' mammy's callin' you."
The Little ColonelAnnie Fellows Johnston
I also felt that Mammy's room had a more homelike aspect than my own.
Southern Lights and ShadowsVarious
There was no doubt that Mammy enjoyed her new conditions and surroundings.
Southern Lights and ShadowsVarious
I was shaving during this monologue of Mammy's, with my back to her.
Southern Lights and ShadowsVarious
We had long since ceased to think of Mammy Becky—she was never Rebecca—as property.
Southern Lights and ShadowsVarious
mammy
mammie
noun plural -mies
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper