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Meemaw Play audio

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "Meemaw" is a common affectionate name for a grandmother. It’s one of several regional grandma names like "Mamaw," "Mawmaw," and "Granny."

#SouthernWords   #Appalachia   #PeopleandRelationships   #Southern

Pronunciation

[MEE-maw]

Meaning & Usage

- A grandmother (noun, affectionate)

Family visit
Child:
We’re goin’ to Meemaw’s house this afternoon.

variations: Mamaw
★ Many Southern families pick their own special grandma name. "Meemaw" is especially common in Appalachia and the Deep South, but it’s understood almost anywhere. ★

Origin and Etymology

Likely developed from child-talk versions of "mama" or "grandma." Its spread is strongest in Southern English, where kinship nicknames often take root across generations.

Usage Notes

Still widely used today across the South and Appalachia. You’ll also hear "Meemaw" in TV shows and pop culture when a character has Southern roots, which has helped outsiders recognize it.

Say It Like a Southerner

Play audio Said plain: "mee-maw." Sometimes softened into "memaw" depending on the accent.

Kin Topics

Related Pages

Common Questions

Is "Meemaw" only Southern?
Most common in the South and Appalachia, but recognized nationally now.
How is it different from "Mamaw" or "Mawmaw"?
They’re all affectionate grandma names. Families often stick with whatever the first grandchild started saying.
Do people still use "Meemaw" today?
Yes - it remains a popular grandma nickname in Southern families.

How to Cite This Page

  • APA (7th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 9). Meemaw. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/meemaw
  • MLA (9th edition)
    "The Hillbilly Dude." "Meemaw." HillbillySlang.com, 9 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/meemaw.
  • Chicago (17th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. "Meemaw." HillbillySlang.com. September 9, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/meemaw.
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