What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mammy
Example
The mammy took care of the children while the parents were away. [mammy: noun]
Example
She was like a mammy to all the kids in the neighborhood, always looking out for them. [mammy: noun]
nursemaid
Example
The nursemaid watched over the baby while the parents were at work. [nursemaid: noun]
Example
She worked as a nursemaid for an elderly woman who needed round-the-clock care. [nursemaid: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nursemaid is a more common term than mammy in modern usage. While mammy may still be used in certain contexts, it is considered outdated and potentially offensive due to its historical connotations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mammy and nursemaid?
Nursemaid is a more formal term than mammy. While mammy is associated with domestic work and has a historical context related to slavery and segregation, nursemaid is a neutral term that can describe a variety of caregiving roles and is appropriate for formal contexts.
