Mama vs. Momma

edoliesmom · May 2014

This is kind of a pointless poll other than to satisfy my curiosity, but which spelling do you use and why? I'm kind of wondering if the "momma" spelling is more of a southern thing.

mandacann · May 2014

I've always used momma because that's what my mom used. I am from KY so it could be a a southern thing.

KatieGummow · May 2014

Momma is more phonetic to me, that's why I use it

kseccomb17 · May 2014

I like momma more, but mama is so much easier

ksulli · May 2014

I think mama is more phonetic... Interesting.

Yogini6911 · May 2014

I never heard of anyone using momma...not sure if it's a regional thing (I'm from PA). I've always used mama but I do like momma better.

KatieGummow · May 2014

ksulli said:
I think mama is more phonetic... Interesting.

I think in kindergarten terms so I could be wrong. I just think "o" octopus, "a" Apple.... Idk.

KatieGummow · May 2014

mamrotu73 said:
Mama. I live in the south but grew up in CA.

I think they are clearly pronounced differently, but still both phonetic.
Mama repeats itself. Momma is mom+ma; two different sounds strung together. I pick mama because children often use repetitive sounds.

Random: a friend's kid called me girl-girl for a while before he learned my real name.

Wow. Beautifully put!

Annnnd hilarious that you were called girl girl, how cute!

ksulli · May 2014

KatieGummow said:

ksulli said:
I think mama is more phonetic... Interesting.
I think in kindergarten terms so I could be wrong. I just think "o" octopus, "a" Apple.... Idk.

Yeah, I agree and stand by mama. But more of a 'pie a la mode' A than 'apple' A

spalumb9 · May 2014

I picked Momma because I like the looks better. As a teacher, I completely get the repetitive thing of the sounds though.

MadBloom · May 2014

Not sure if it matters but I'm Canadian and I would use Momma. Mama seems very babyish to me and would represent the babling sounds that babies make. Dadadada and mamamama would be the sounds that babies make naturally (along with bababababa and others) that we like to think of as first words when really they are just repeating sounds and then later figure out they can represent mom and dad once they get certain reactions out of adults by making those sounds.

edoliesmom · May 2014

Hmm.. This is all very interesting! I'm glad I posed this question! I guess my southern theory is out the window. lol I use "momma" because 1) that's how I was taught to spell it, and 2) because "mama" seems more of a Hispanic or Italian term.

patunia7321 · May 2014

I use mama but momma wins phonetically to me (sort of) Typically in CVCV words the first vowel is long, but CVCCV words the syllables spilt between the consonants CVC-CV mom-ma the final a should have the long sound but in this case follows the schwa rule. Ohhhhh phonics.

MamaFantastic · May 2014

If I heard it pronounced, I'd spell it mama in my mind (surprise, surprise)

That said, I am "mommy" to kiddo. Mama seems like a babyish term and I really only call myself by that name during the early infant months and/or when kiddo is sick or hurt (i.e. "Awww, come to mama, I'm sorry you're hurt!")

Bluebird2318 · May 2014

I prefer Mama. No justification, but Momma looks wrong to me.

fourthnlast · May 2014

Mama- Not sure why

Also, my heart totally melts when my 6 year old calls me mama.

maelic · May 2014

I said mama, but I'm actually going to be mamma, which is the Italian word for mom.

Never heard anyone using momma before but I live in New England.

MissWhis · May 2014

MamaFantastic said:
Mama seems like a babyish term and I really only call myself by that name during the early infant months and/or when kiddo is sick or hurt (i.e. "Awww, come to mama, I'm sorry you're hurt!")

So funny - I feel the opposite. "Mommy" is the babiest of the bunch!

I had no idea there was so much variation in this. Kind of fascinating.

fourthnlast · May 2014

bethy84 said:

I much prefer Mama and I agree that Momma has always seemed more southern to me. Mama also seems to be used a lot in the crunchy world.

Those minion hats in your signature. LOVE!!!!

imogenisis · May 2014

patunia7321 said:
I use mama but momma wins phonetically to me (sort of) Typically in CVCV words the first vowel is long, but CVCCV words the syllables spilt between the consonants CVC-CV mom-ma the final a should have the long sound but in this case follows the schwa rule. Ohhhhh phonics.

As someone else who regularly teaches these phonics rules, this totally cracked me up!!