granny etymology

Etymology

The word "granny" is a hypocoristic form (a term of affection or endearment) of the word "grandmother". It is derived from the Old English word "grandemor", which itself comes from the Latin "grandis mater" meaning "great mother".

Meaning

"Granny" is a general term used to refer to a woman's grandmother, but it can also be used more broadly to refer to any elderly woman. It is often used as a term of endearment, but it can also be used in a more neutral or even derogatory sense.

Origin

The use of "granny" as a term of affection for a grandmother can be traced back to the 14th century, when it was first recorded in the Middle English poem "Piers Plowman". By the 16th century, it had become a common term to refer to grandmothers, and it has remained in use ever since.

Over time, the word "granny" has taken on a variety of connotations. In the 19th century, it was often used to refer to elderly women who were considered to be poor or homeless. However, in the 20th and 21st centuries, it has regained its more positive connotations and is now commonly used to refer to grandmothers in a loving and respectful way.

granny relate terms

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    Etymology Old English grēat mōdor great mother Old Saxon grōtmōder Dutch g

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    Etymology Middle English graundmodir from Old English grandmoder grand from Latin gra

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  • granny

    Etymology The word granny is a hypocoristic form a term of affection or endearment of

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