In Appalachian and Southern speech, "Mamaw" is a common word for grandmother. Spelling varies - Mamaw, Mawmaw, or just Maw - but it’s one of the most affectionate kinship titles in the region.
We never used 'Mamaw' - we were a 'Granny' family. But a good percentage of folks use it today.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
We never used 'Mamaw' - we were a 'Granny' family. But a good percentage of folks use it today.
Pronunciation
[MAH-maw] or [MAM-aw] (varies by family)
Meaning & Usage
- A grandmother (noun, kinship term)
Family talk
Mae:
Who’s sittin’ at the quilting frame?
Earl:
That’s my Mamaw.
- A respectful or affectionate older woman (noun, figurative use)
Community talk
Mae:
Everybody listens when Mamaw Ruth speaks up.
variations: Mawmaw
★ Families spell it all sorts of ways - Mamaw, Mawmaw, Maw - but they all mean the same thing: grandmother. In some families, it’s paired with Papaw; in others, you’ll hear Mamaw and Pappaw, or Maw and Pap. ★
Origin and Etymology
From older English and Scots-Irish "Ma" or "Maw," meaning mother. In Appalachia and the South, it grew into "Mamaw" or "Mawmaw," one of the most common grandmother names.
Usage Notes
Still widely used in the South and Appalachia. Outside the region, people may find the spelling unusual, but within the hills it’s instantly understood as grandmother.
Say It Like a Southerner
Said plain: "Mam-aw" or "Maw-maw." Stress falls on the first syllable.
Created by The Hillbilly Dude, this site is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more...
We never used 'Mamaw' - we were a 'Granny' family. But a good percentage of folks use it today. 
