meemaw
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."
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I knew 'Meemaw' families, but we were strictly a Granny family, through and through. Pronunciation
[MEE-maw]
Meaning & Usage
- A grandmother (noun, affectionate)
Child:
We’re goin’ to Meemaw’s house this afternoon.
We’re goin’ to Meemaw’s house this afternoon.other spellings: 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
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.
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
Said plain: "mee-maw." Sometimes softened into "memaw" depending on the accent.