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nonna

Nonna is the Italian word for grandmother. It is typically used as an affectionate term of respect and endearment within Italian families and among Italian-speaking communities abroad. The term may also function as a familiar address for an older woman who is not a grandmother, depending on context and locale.

The word nonna is the feminine form of nonno; it belongs to the core Italian vocabulary of

In Italian households, nonna often signifies a link to family history and tradition, frequently associated with

In contemporary media and literature, nonna is commonly depicted as a matriarchal figure who dispenses practical

family
terms
and
has
many
affectionate
diminutives,
such
as
nonnetta
or
nonnina.
Regional
dialects
may
have
different
forms
for
grandmother
and
grandfather.
cooking,
storytelling,
and
the
passing
down
of
recipes
and
values
across
generations.
In
immigrant
communities,
nonna
can
symbolize
continuity
with
homeland
and
a
central
node
of
family
networks.
wisdom
and
comforting
food.
The
term
also
appears
in
colloquial
speech
and
popular
culture,
where
it
evokes
warmth,
heritage,
and
family
cohesion.