In the U.S., people refer to or address their grandmothers using various terms, often influenced by cultural, regional, and family preferences. Some common terms include: grandma, granny, nana, nanny, mimi, grammy, gran, mamaw, meemaw, gigi.
These terms can vary widely based on personal and family traditions, with some families even inventing unique names that hold special meaning.
In Iran, people refer to or address their grandmothers using various terms that reflect cultural and linguistic traditions. These terms are often used with affection and respect, reflecting the important role grandmothers play in Iranian families and culture. Some common ways to address a grandmother in Iran include:
1. Maman Bozorg (مامان بزرگ) – literally "big mother"
2. Maman Joon (مامان جون) – a term of endearment meaning "dear mother"
3. Madar Bozorg (مادربزرگ) – literally "big mother"
4. Naneh (ننه) – an affectionate and traditional term
5. Bibi (بی بی) – a respectful and affectionate term
6. Nana (نانا) – similar to "Nana" in English
7. Aziz (عزیز) – literally "dear"
All of my grandmother's grandchildren called her Aziz. Originally Arabic, the word aziz has entered the Persian language and is used both as a noun to address a loved one — a common, informal way to refer to or address grandmothers in Iran — and as an adjective meaning “dear” when positioned after a noun or a name.
I was the only one who called my paternal grandmother Mamanbozorg, literally Grandma in Persian (maman meaning mom or ma; bozorg meaning big, great, or grand).
