mammy

[ mam-ee ]

/ ˈmæm i /

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.

Words nearby mammy

mammoth, mammoth cave national park, mammotomy, mammotropic, mammula, mammy, mammy chair, mammy wagon, mamoncillo, mamoré, mampara

Origin of mammy

First recorded in 1515–25; mamm(a)¹ + -y²

usage note for mammy

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. 2020

Examples from the Web for mammy

“Teach yo' gran'-mammy how to milk the house cat,” sneered Jud, while Bonaparte grew furious again with this added insult.
The Bishop of Cottontown|John Trotwood Moore
There was one woman in there cooking that was called 'Mammy' and she seed to all the chilen.
Slave Narratives: A Folk History of Slavery in the United States From Interviews with Former Slaves: Volume II, Arkansas Narratives, Part 2|Work Projects Administration
He also said his 'mammy' would rub grease under the soles of his feet to keep him from taking cold.
Slave Narratives: A Folk History of Slavery in the United States|Work Projects Administration
The children called their own parents 'pappy' and 'mammy' in slavery time.
Slave Narratives: A Folk History of Slavery in the United States|Work Projects Administration

"Dont you nevah call me 'Mammy' no mo'," gran'mammy tol' 'er.
Slave Narratives: A Folk History of Slavery in the United States|Work Projects Administration

British Dictionary definitions for mammy

mammy

mammie

/ (ˈmæmɪ) /

noun plural -mies

a child's word for mother 1

mainly Southern US a Black woman employed as a nurse or servant to a White family

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012