Mum and Dad

[dorisday]

Whats the histroy behind Mum and Dad as opposed to Mother and Father?

[woofgang]

I suspect that its at least partly because mamama and dadadada are two of the first noises babies make and proud parents encourage these

[gazzawazza]

Good answer woofgang. In my part of the world (Teesside) we call our mothers "mam" which to me is the proper word as opposed to "mum" which I absolutely hate the sound of!!! But if you're correct, why does the rest of the country insist on then changing it to the horrible "mum?"

[coggles]

I think it must stem from babies first mumblings too. After years of trying and medical treatment, my husband and I are finally very proud and grateful parents. Our eldest is nearly 4 and youngest is 11 months and she is now trying to say lots of different things. Dadadada is one of them, Mamamama is another. She will eventually say mummy, then mum, as our eldest does. It is one of the most amazing things in the world to hear. If I lived where you do it would be equally amazing and heartwarming to be called mam.

[Quizmonster]

Both words have been used in English - in one form or another - since the 15th century. As others have already suggested, the 'mama/dada' idea is just a reduplication of a sound that babies make instinctively. In the case of 'mama', it is used in virtually all countries where the proper word for 'mother' begins with the 'm' sound, as in French, German etc.

The actual form 'dad' is far older than the form 'mum', since the former has been around for half a millennium and the latter has existed only since the early 1800s. (As 'mam', however, it's been around for as long as 'dad'.)

[molly]

As far as Mum v. Mam is concerned, I think local accents have their part to play, gazzawazza. Where I come from, (S.W. Scotland), the word mam is completely foreign sounding, and mum is the norm. I would never have dreamed of teaching my three to say mam. However, the other answers are right, mum / mam, and dad come from baby's first noises, which we pick up on and repeat to baby who then repeates to us. Well done to coggles, there is nothing more rewarding than having your own kids to love.

[gazzawazza]

Yes, Molly, I realise local accents have a part to play, it's just one of those words I don't like, just much prefer "mam" which seems right to me. It's nice to hear from Quizzy that it's older than "mum" and therefore I can rightfully claim it's the proper pronunciation... after all, who can doubt the Quizmeister?! Only joking!

[Quizmonster]

Yep...history is definitely on your side by some 300 years on this one, Gazza!

[FTVS]

By Dad's a brummie and he says "Mom"

[coggles]

I wasn't questioning which is the oldest expression, I was merely saying that wherever I originated from, say Italy, I would be equally enthralled to be called 'Mama'.

[Gef]

So coggles, you are now a proud mam!! Just pleased to hear your good news and hope it encourages others to keep trying.

[coggles]

Thanks Gef, I am a very proud mam indeed!

[Exocet]

Quizmonster scares me

[dorisday]

Thank you for all your replies. D xx