Gammer

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈɡæmɚ/ (English - US)

/ˈɡæmə/ (English - UK)

Definitions

• 1. (Archaic) An old woman, especially a grandmother.
• 2. (Dialectal, UK) A term of respect for an elderly woman.

Usage Examples

• "The kind old gammer shared stories of her youth with the village children."
• "In medieval England, a gammer was often sought for wisdom and advice."

Etymology

Derived from Middle English "gammere," a contraction of "godmother" or "grandmother," used in dialects to refer to elderly women.

Synonyms

• Grandmother
• Old woman
• Matron
• Elder

Antonyms

• Young woman
• Maiden

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In some English dialects, "gammer" is pronounced with a softer "a" sound, while in others it retains a stronger "æ" vowel.

Historical Usage

Commonly used in Middle English and early modern English literature, "gammer" was often paired with "gaffer," which referred to an old man.

Cultural Nuances

The term "gammer" was historically used in rural communities as a respectful title for elderly women who were regarded as wise and experienced.

More Information

Although rarely used in modern English, "gammer" survives in some dialects and historical texts, evoking an era when elders were central to storytelling and village life.