grandma

name

1. An unfriendly and disparaging way of addressing an elderly woman whose name is unknown.

noun

Etymology: From grand- + ma, after grandmother.

1. Grandmother.

verb

Etymology: From grand- + ma, after grandmother.

1. To address (someone) as “grandma”.

   “This Laura had died within a year of her marriage, but Lottie had claimed relationship to the family just the same, grandma-ing Mrs. Richards and aunty-ing the sisters. John, however, was never called uncle, except in fun.”

   ““But Grandma—,” I said. […] “And don’t you go ‘Grandma-ing’ me neither,” she said.”

2. To be or act as a grandmother to (someone).

   “And what about Cliff working on cars and painting signs, and Wendy working nights to take care of that baby, and young Allen raking leaves for everyone, and Doris grandmaing folks, and wounded folks bouncing back to life . . . ?””

   ““I don’t want you to be a grandma.” / But why, I wondered, worried that he perceived some defect in my grandma-ing ability. Doesn’t he think I’ll be a good grandma?”