# tantie

CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tantie
Updated: 2026-08-14

## Definition

a word for 'aunt' that is common in the Caribbean. People also use it to talk respectfully to an older woman who is a close family friend.

For teachers: a colloquial term for 'aunt', common in Caribbean English. It also serves as a respectful form of address for any older woman within a community.

## Examples

- My tantie is visiting from Trinidad this summer.
- All the children on the street call the kind woman who runs the shop 'Tantie,' even though they are not related.
- The honorific 'Tantie' is conferred not just by blood but by a community's collective affection, marking a woman as a pillar of wisdom and care for all.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.