grandma
n. · v.-
1 grandmother (n.) A1 Beginner Informalthe mother of your father or mother.
an informal term for a grandmother, frequently used as a term of endearment or a proper noun within a family.
ExampleMy grandma always bakes delicious cookies when we visit her on Sundays.
ExampleAfter retiring from the textile mill, my grandma spent most of her afternoons teaching the younger generation how to knit traditional patterns.
UsageOften capitalized when used as a proper name for a specific person.
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2 elderly woman (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Slanga way to address an older woman you do not know.
a term of address for an elderly woman; can be perceived as patronising or derogatory depending on the speaker's intent and tone.
ExampleThe teenager rudely shouted at the woman, calling her 'grandma' when she walked too slowly.
ExampleUsing 'grandma' to address a stranger in a professional setting is generally considered disrespectful and overly familiar.
Teacher's tipIn many cultures, using this with a stranger is seen as rude or ageist; learners should stick to 'ma'am' or no title at all.
- old lady
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3 to act as a grandmother (v.) C2 Proficiency Informalto behave like a grandmother or to call someone 'grandma'.
to perform the role of a grandmother or to address someone using the term; used transitively or intransitively.
ExampleShe loves to grandma all the neighborhood kids by giving them sweets.
ExampleShe has been grandmaing the local orphans for years, providing the emotional support their biological families could not.
UsageThis verbal use is rare and highly informal.
From grand- + ma, after grandmother.