Papou

Papou is a term used in Greek to refer to a grandfather. It is an affectionate, informal designation commonly spoken by grandchildren and other family members when addressing or talking about their grandfather. The standard Greek word for grandfather is παππούς (papoús), but in transliterations and everyday speech abroad it is often rendered as papou or pappou.

In practice, Papou functions as a family title as well as a familiar nickname. It is typically preceded by the definite article in Greek, as in o Papou (the grandpa). Spelling variants such as papou and pappou reflect different transliteration choices from Greek pronunciation. The term is widely used in Greek-speaking communities around the world, including the Greek diaspora, and appears in Greek-language media, literature, and everyday conversation.

Cultural role-wise, grandfathers in Greek families are often seen as elders who provide guidance, stories, and support, and the use of Papou underscores affection and proximity within the family. The word can also appear in non-Greek contexts where speakers adopt the term to refer to a grandfather figure in a warm, familial way.

Variants and related terms in Greek include other kinship words like baba (father) and yiayia (grandmother), which together form part of the broader system of family address in Greek culture. Papou, in its simple form, remains a common and enduring term for a beloved grandfather.