What does it mean when a guy calls you ‘mama’?
If you’re in a new relationship or met a new guy and it’s the first time you’ve ever been called ‘mama’, I know how weird it probably feels.
There are a few different interpretations of the word ‘mama’ depending on the context in which it is said.
You’ll have to take into account the relationship between you and this guy, his background, and when he’s choosing to call you ‘mama’.
That said, here are some explanations and reasons why guys call girls mama and what it may mean when a guy is calling you mama;
What Does It Mean When Someone Calls You Mama?
The first thing you should know is that ‘mama’ doesn’t necessarily have a negative connotation.
In some cases, it may be endearing or sweet.
For example, a guy might call his own mother ‘mama’, and therefore, the word has positive connotations for him.
He might see you as someone who is nurturing and caring – just like his mother.
This is especially true if he’s from a culture where mothers are revered and respected.
Another interpretation of the word ‘mama’ is that he simply finds you attractive.
There’s something about you that reminds him of his own mother in a physical sense – whether it’s your curves, your smile, or your eyes.
This might seem weird – but if this is the case, it’s a compliment!
Of course, there are also some negative connotations of the word ‘mama’.
For example, he might be calling you ‘mama’ because he thinks you’re too old for him.
Or, he might think you’re overweight or unattractive.
In either of these cases, it would be best to move on and find someone who appreciates you for who you are as friends or partners shouldn’t talk to each other like this!
I know it’s confusing that the word mama can be used as both a positive thing and a negative one.
The problem is that ultimately, only the guy in question knows why he’s calling you ‘mama’.
If you’re not sure what his intentions are, the best thing to do is ask him directly.
I’m sure he won’t mind. You don’t have to feel like you’re not on ‘his level’ or worry that he’ll think any less of you.
I bet it’s quite the opposite, he’ll find it cute that you want to know exactly what he means when he uses the word ‘mama’ – and at least there won’t be any confusion or misunderstandings!
Related – Here’s what ‘lovely’ means to a guy.
What Does ‘Mama’ Mean in a Relationship?
If we look at the word ‘mama’ strictly in the relationship sense between two people that are together, it’s slightly different.
In a relationship, the word ‘mama’ can have different meanings depending on how long you’ve been together.
If you’ve only been dating for a short while, he might call you ‘mama’ as a way of saying that he’s interested in taking things to the next level and sees potential for something more serious.
In this case, it would be best to wait and see if he continues to use this term of endearment or if it was just a one-time thing.
If you’ve been in a long-term relationship, calling you ‘mama’ might simply be his way of showing affection.
It doesn’t necessarily mean anything more than that – but again, it all comes down to context and your relationship together!
What Is a Mama Boy?
Using the word ‘mama’ and someone being a ‘mama’s boy’ are two very different things.
A mama’s boy is a guy who is excessively attached to his mother and relies on her for everything.
This might be because he doesn’t have a good relationship with his father or any other male role model in his life.
As a result, he looks to his mother as the ideal woman and wants to find someone just like her.
If you think the guy you’re seeing is a mama’s boy, there are some signs you can look out for.
For example, does he always talk about his mother and what she says or does? Does he go to her for advice on everything?
Does he get angry or defensive if you try to talk about his mother in a negative light?
It’s not always a bad thing if a guy is a bit of a mama’s boy. But there definitely needs to be a line where he can take care of himself and his family without the help of his mother.
Wrapping Up
In the dictionary, ‘Mama’ is defined as meaning ‘Mother’, with the added slang meanings of; ‘wife’, or ‘woman’.
This is why this word can have any of these connotations – along with a few extra slang terms that will never make their way into the dictionary.
I’m sure you’re aware of how the relationship is going between you and the guy calling you mama, so it shouldn’t be hard to figure out how he’s using it.
If you have any doubts at all, however, you should always bring it up and ask him.
Likewise, if you don’t want to be called ‘mama’, any guy who cares about you will respect your wishes and stop using the word.
Image credits – Photo by Eliott Reyna on Unsplash
Phil lives in England, UK, and has around 20 years experience as a professional life, career and executive coach. He started this blog to help others find and define their own self development journey. Blogging about a wide range of topics to help facilitate a better future.