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2-minute read
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31st March 2019
Today is Mother’s Day, the day we thank our female parents for their love and patience. But what do you call your mother? Is she a ‘mum’ or a ‘mam’? Or maybe even a ‘mom’? We have many words for mothers in English, but why is this? And are they all correct? Let’s take a (motherly) look.
The Origins of Mother
The modern English ‘mother’ comes from the Old English term modor. As such, it is also where many of our informal terms for mothers come from, from ‘mommy’ and ‘mumsy’ to ‘ma’ and ‘maw’.
Interestingly, though, these words may have even older origins. The word ‘mama’ appears in some form in dozens of languages, including Mandarin, Hindi and Arabic. This is because simple noises like ‘mama’ and ‘papa’ are among most babies’ first vocalisations.
The theory, then, is that ‘mother’ and its modern variations are all rooted in the baby talk of ‘mama’. So one thing we have in common with our earliest ancestors may be our words for ‘mum’.
Mum, Mam or Mom?
But the question still remains: why do we have so many words for ‘mother’? The simple answer is that mothers are a big part of human life all over the world. And as such, it is natural that different groups of English speakers would develop their own words for motherhood.
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The three terms we’ve picked out here, for instance, are all associated with different places:
- Mum is common throughout Britain, but particularly in the south.
- Mam is used in Ireland, Wales, Scotland and parts of northern England.
- Mom is most associated with American English.
These are all accepted terms for ‘mother’, so your preference will usually depend on where you grew up. And the ‘correct’ spelling will depend on the dialect in question.
In case you were wondering, though, ‘mam’ is probably the oldest of the three spellings above, since the earliest recorded use of ‘mama’ in English dates back to 1707. By comparison, the earliest appearances of ‘mum’ and ‘mom’ are from 1823 and 1867, respectively, so they are a bit newer.
Whatever your chosen term, though, we hope all the mothers out there are having a great day. And, mother or not, we hope you have enjoyed our etymological look at motherhood!
As a linguistic enthusiast and language expert, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the discussion of the various terms used to refer to mothers in the English language. My expertise in linguistics encompasses the historical evolution of language, etymology, and the cultural nuances that shape linguistic diversity. I've delved into the origins of words, their cross-cultural connections, and the regional variations that make language a fascinating and ever-evolving aspect of human communication.
Now, let's dissect the concepts presented in the provided article:
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Origins of the Word "Mother": The article rightly points out that the modern English term "mother" has its roots in the Old English term "modor." This historical connection traces back to informal terms like 'mommy,' 'mumsy,' 'ma,' and 'maw.' The mention of Old English highlights a fundamental understanding of linguistic evolution.
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Cross-Cultural Similarities: The article explores the cross-cultural similarities in the term 'mother,' highlighting the presence of the word 'mama' in various languages, such as Mandarin, Hindi, and Arabic. This cross-cultural connection is attributed to the universal nature of simple vocalizations like 'mama' and 'papa' in early language development, showcasing a grasp of linguistic universals.
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Variations in English: The article addresses the variety of terms used for mothers in English, specifically focusing on 'mum,' 'mam,' and 'mom.' It correctly attributes the regional associations of these terms: 'mum' in southern Britain, 'mam' in Ireland, Wales, Scotland, and parts of northern England, and 'mom' in American English. This demonstrates an understanding of the socio-linguistic variations that contribute to the richness of the English language.
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Acceptance of Different Terms: The expertly communicates that all three terms ('mum,' 'mam,' and 'mom') are accepted and valid, emphasizing that the preference for one over the other often depends on the speaker's regional background. This reflects an awareness of the fluid nature of language and the importance of linguistic diversity.
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Historical Context: The article provides historical context by mentioning that 'mam' is likely the oldest spelling, with the earliest recorded use dating back to 1707. Comparatively, 'mum' and 'mom' are noted to be relatively newer terms, appearing in 1823 and 1867, respectively. This historical timeline adds depth to the discussion of linguistic evolution.
In conclusion, my in-depth knowledge of linguistics allows me to appreciate the intricacies of language development, regional variations, and the historical context surrounding the terms used to address mothers in English. If you have any further questions or if there's another linguistic topic you'd like to explore, feel free to ask!
