Grandparents’ Chosen Nicknames Reveal Secrets They Won’t Admit!

Grandparents hold a unique place in the lives of children. More available than parents, they often become confidants and playmates. They are the keepers of secrets and sharers of wisdom. In some families, grandparents are affectionately called grandpa and grandma, while in others, they might be referred to as gramps and granny. Some children might call their grandmother by her first name or give their grandfather a special pet name. Sometimes, it’s the grandparents who establish the rules, but often, the grandchildren decide on their own. This choice, however, is far from random and reveals more than one might think.

“The other person is a mirror of ourselves. We define who we are through how others see us,” reminds Ilana Waserscztajn, a psychologist. This explains why some women might refuse to be called “grandma,” or even worse, “granny.” “When she hears that, it immediately reflects the idea that she is old, that she is aging,” notes the psychologist. This happens even when the title comes from a much-anticipated grandchild, and the new grandmother is excited to welcome them. Conversely, a grandmother might feel esteemed in her role because she’s given a sweet nickname (like Grammy, Nanny, or Mimi). “It creates a sense of closeness, of intimacy. This nickname tells her she is the best of grandmothers,” explains Ilana Waserscztajn.

The psychologist adds that the choice of name for grandparents also depends on family traditions. “A grandmother who had a granny she got along well with, who fondly remembers cooking with her and listening to her stories, might want to recreate that experience. There’s a nostalgic aspect of wanting to recapture that time,” analyzes Ilana Waserscztajn. However, to others, the term “granny” might conjure up images of an old woman dressed in black, stern and aloof. This distance can also be a deliberate choice when a grandparent prefers to be called by their first name. “Some parents and grandparents insist on being addressed by their first name. Again, it’s about the fear of aging and how others perceive them,” explains the psychologist. This choice represents a form of detachment, a coolness, whereas giving a pet name suggests intimacy and closeness.

In most cases, a first name is added after the nickname for simplicity, to differentiate between maternal and paternal grandparents. Many elders are thus called “Grandma Susan” or “Grandpa Joe” to quickly clarify to the child which grandparent is being referred to. So, what nickname have you chosen for yourself or to call your grandparents?