granny

Granny is an informal English term for grandmother, used as an affectionate or familiar form of address. It is common in the United Kingdom, the United States, and other English-speaking regions. Variants include grandma, grandma, gran, nana, and nan, with regional preferences affecting formality and tone. The diminutive form -y in granny can convey warmth and closeness.

In many cultures, grandmothers provide care, share family history, mentor younger relatives, tell stories, and pass down traditions and recipes. The term itself can reflect affection, respect, or both, depending on context, age, and speaker.

In popular culture, "Granny" is used as a generic archetype of an elderly woman who is nurturing or formidable. It is also the title of an indie survival horror video game released in 2017 by DVloper, in which the player attempts to escape from a house inhabited by an aggressive older woman. The game spawned sequels and in-game memes that have shaped contemporary references to the character.

Etymology traces granny to grandmother, with the diminutive form appearing in English by the 17th or 18th century. The term remains widely used but can carry different tones across regions and generations.