tannie
/ˈtani
/noun (plural tannies) South African
A woman who is older than the speaker (often used as a respectful and affectionate title or form of address): I knew I was grown up when a teenager called me tannie...
- Now tannie Ella had a pilletjie, poeiertjie, salfie en pleister for every occasion and medical emergency.
- I almost get lost when I get of the highway, but luckily I run into a friendly oom and tannie and they point me in the right direction (Note to self… do not trust a map downloaded from the Internet).
- But sitting in the lounge and eating my boerekos off my lap, surrounded by these lovely Tannies and their bubbling laughter, I had one of the most deeply satisfying meals I have had in years.
Origin
Afrikaans, literally 'auntie', familiar form of tante (see tante).