Meemaw

In Appalachian and Southern speech, Meemaw is an affectionate name meaning "grandmother." It appears alongside regional forms such as Mamaw, Mawmaw, and Granny.

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synonyms: grandma, grandmother, Mamaw, Granny, Mawmaw

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I knew 'Meemaw' families, but we were strictly a Granny family, through and through.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I knew 'Meemaw' families, but we were strictly a Granny family, through and through.

Pronunciation

[MEE-maw]
/ˈmiː.mɔː/

Meaning & Usage

- A grandmother (noun, affectionate)

Child:

We’re goin’ to Meemaw’s today!

★ Many families settle on whatever the first grandchild blurts out - and it sticks. If you hear "Meemaw," odds are you’re talkin’ to folks tied to the South or Appalachia. ★

Origin and Etymology

The term likely arose from child-language reductions of "mama" or "grandma," developing into a stable kinship nickname within Southern and Appalachian English by the late 19th to early 20th century. Similar forms appear across Scots-Irish-influenced regions where reduplicated and rhyming kinship terms often persisted.

Usage Notes

"Meemaw" remains widely used in modern Southern and Appalachian families, both rural and suburban. It shows up in pop culture as a recognizable Southern grandmother name, which has increased national recognition even among non-Southerners. Despite that reach, its strongest cultural footing is still Southern.

Family-specific choice - families may choose Meemaw, Mamaw, Mawmaw, or Granny depending on tradition or a child’s early speech.
Non-pejorative - the nickname conveys affection, not humor or stereotype.
Pop-culture spread - TV shows often use "Meemaw" to signal Southern background.

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Is "Meemaw" only Southern?

No, but it is most strongly associated with Southern and Appalachian families and originates there.

How is it different from "Mamaw" or "Mawmaw"?

These are parallel affectionate grandmother names; families typically stick with whichever form emerges first.

Is it still used today?

Yes. "Meemaw" remains a living, common nickname across generational Southern families.

Does spelling matter?

Not much. Variants like Mamaw or Mawmaw reflect family preference and local pronunciation.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, December 11). Meemaw. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/meemaw
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Meemaw." HillbillySlang.com, 11 Dec. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/meemaw.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Meemaw." HillbillySlang.com. December 11, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/meemaw.