mammy

American  

[mam-ee] / ˈmæm i /

noun

plural

mammies

1. Informal. mother.

2. Disparaging and Offensive. (formerly in the southern United States) a Black woman engaged to take care of white children or as a servant to a white family.

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mammy British  

/ ˈmæmɪ /

noun

1. a child's word for mother 1

2. a Black woman employed as a nurse or servant to a White family

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Sensitive Note

At the time of the Civil War and into the 20th century, the mammy was characterized as being strong, kind, and loyal. But her image was also that of an overweight, unattractive, and often illiterate enslaved household servant. This reinforced the association of this designation with racial stereotypes of inferiority and abject submissiveness. See also Aunt Jemima.

Etymology

Origin of mammy

First recorded in 1515–25; mamm(a) ¹ + -y ²