Yaya Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈjɑːjə/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A close, elderly female caregiver, typically a grandmother or older woman, responsible for taking care of children, often in a Nigerian or African cultural context.

Examples

• The grandmother was the yaya to the family’s young children.
• She was the yaya to the neighborhood kids, always ready with a plate of cookies.

Synonyms

• Mama
• Jama

Etymology

The word “Yaya” is of Nigerian origin and is derived from the Hausa language. It is also used in other West African countries, including Ghana and Senegal.

Usage Notes

In Nigerian culture, a yaya is often given the nickname “Mama” or “Jama”. In informal settings, yayas are often referred to as “Nne” in Igbo or “Yaa” in Ghanaian dialects.

Cultural References

The concept of a yaya is often featured in Nigerian and African literature, film, and music. Examples include the novel “Half of a Yellow Sun” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and the song “Yaya” by Afrobeats artist, Wizkid.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

“Yaya dey ground” means “The yaya is present” and is often used to greet a yaya.

Related Words or Phrases

Words related to “yaya” include “Mama”, “Nne”, “Jama”, and “Auntie”. Phrases related to “yaya” include “Nne dey ground” and “Jama dey ground”, which mean “Auntie is present” respectively.

Collocations

Yayas are often associated with children, food, and care. Common collocations include “yaya and kids”, “yaya and cooking”, and “yaya and childcare”.

Frequency of Use

The word “Yaya” is used commonly in Nigerian and African communities, particularly in informal settings and in conversations among family and friends.

Common Misspellings

Common misspellings of “Yaya” include “Yara”, “Yahya”, and “Yada”.