What Does It Mean When A Guy Calls You Mommy? - The Narcissistic Life (2024)

Picture this scene. You are hanging out with your boyfriend and having a good time together. And then, out of nowhere, he calls you mommy. What??

You might, at first, find the term off-putting or negative. Does calling you mommy indicate some kind of weird mommy issues? Does it mean he’s still obsessed with his mother or parents?

Or, another part of you might find the nickname a little hot. Calling someone mama or mommy is a bit more taboo than your average pet name. Is this a sexual thing?

As it turns out, when it comes to your dating life, your boyfriend calling you mommy can have many different meanings. Here’s what you need to know.

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Is Mommy a Compliment?

Guys compliment women in all kinds of ways. They call them beautiful or sexy or hot. They use pet names like sweetheart or baby.

You can almost guarantee it’s a good thing if he calls you mommy or mama. He wouldn’t just be using that term with any girl he meets.

Remember that men have been calling women ‘mama’ for a long time. This also doesn’t apply to romantic relationships.

A doctor, for example, may refer to a child patient’s mother as ‘mom’ to keep things simple during their interactions.

Or, in the case of large families, everyone may call one female figure ‘mom’ because they all perceive her as a maternal figure.

11 Reasons Why a Guy Calls You Mommy

So, what are the real reasons for a guy calling you mommy or mama? And does it make a difference in the context of your relationship? Here are some reasons to consider.

#1 You Remind Him of His Own Mother

Maybe he sees you in a positive light, just like any upstanding mother figure.

Before you cringe, consider that this isn’t a bad thing. If he’s close to his mom, he already sees her in a positive light. He’s probably been looking for a woman like you for a long time now!

And how a guy treats his mom can tell you everything you need to know about how he’ll respect you.

#2 He’s Telling You That You’re Hot

Hot mama! Sexy mama! Look at you, mama!

If he’s dishing out phrases like that, it means that he definitely finds you attractive. You can guarantee that s*x is on his mind and that he’s hoping his compliment takings things up a notch.

#3 He’s Just Teasing You

Sometimes guys experiment with different nicknames to see how their girl reacts. And teasing is just another form of flirting.

#4 He Thinks It’s a Sexier Twist on Babe

Babe is safe. It’s easy and predictable, especially for young couples.

So, if he takes the leap and calls you mama, he’s being very intentional with his word choice. He wants you to notice the change (and maybe even ask about it).

#5 He’s Honoring Your Pregnancy

If you get pregnant, he might start using the word mama to familiarize himself with you actually becoming a mother.

This is an endearing way to show that he’s getting used to having a child and that he’s grateful for the adventure you two are about to have together.

#6 You Already Have Kids

He may call you mommy if you have two children because he’s so used to hearing the kids say it! Or, he’s trying to model healthy behavior at home.

In this sense, mama is more of a pragmatic term. It’s your name at home, so he might just slip it out without even realizing it.

Or, it may just be a form of affection to show how much he values you as a parent.

#7 He’s Just Being Sweet

You can spend all this time trying to guess why he’s calling you mommy, but maybe the answer is simple.

He just finds the term sweet and thinks it sounds loving and kind. There may not necessarily be more to the story or behavior!

#8 He Just Thinks You’re Perfect

Most men look up to their mothers and even idolize them. That’s just a part of human nature, and it may have nothing to do with s*x or romance.

So, if he’s using that term- and you’re either his girlfriend or wife- it means he certainly sees you in a significantly different light than any other female.

Take that as a compliment!

#9 He’s Commenting On Your Youth

Sometimes men use the term mommy or mama to refer to their younger partners fondly. After all, many of us associate motherhood with youth and vitality.

If there is a significant age difference between the two of you (and he’s much older), it could be a “reverse” phrase from calling you, baby.

If you aren’t that young, and. he still calls you mama, he may signal that he finds you youthful and playful (even if you don’t always see yourself that way).

#10 He Wants to be Your ‘Daddy’

His calling you mama might be him throwing a bone to see what you’ll call him back.

If he gets turned on by being called daddy, he might be subtly engaging in his own role-play fantasy with you.

#11 He’s Condescending You

In rare cases, a guy might use the word mama if he feels nagged or annoyed in his relationship.

For example, let’s say you’ve asked him to do the dishes a few times. Instead of taking over the chore, he might roll his eyes and say something snarky like, Whatever you say, mama.

Of course, this isn’t a healthy way to express his feelings. If he’s using the word ‘mom’ in this situation, he’s trying to dig at you.

He’s comparing you to the negative features associated with motherhood.

What Does Momma Mean in a Relationship?

Most of the time, momma is just another slang term for mama, mommy, or mamas.

The specific word a guy ultimately uses all comes down to preference. He may use this word if they think it seems cuter, sexier, or more attractive.

But momma rarely just means you two are friends. Momma isn’t really used in casual relationships.

A wouldn’t use this comment if he wasn’t totally serious about you- or if he just wanted your time together to be a one-time thing.

Momma almost always has undertones of affection and romance. Sometimes, it’s a romantic way to highlight just how much he cares about you.

You aren’t just any woman to him. You’re as special as his own mama- and that’s a big deal!

How Do You Respond When Someone Calls You Mommy?

How should you react if your guy calls you mama? Your response, of course, will depend on the context of the word, your relationship, and your own feelings about your man.

Here’s some advice.

Ask Him What He Means

So, you heard him call you mama. Before you respond, you might consider clarifying what he meant by the term.

It’s much easier to get a direct answer than spend days trying to decode his body language or figure out his intentions.

Take It as a Compliment

  • Thank you! I love you.
  • You’re so romantic!
  • That’s so sweet, baby!

One of the easiest responses you can give him is thanking and complimenting him back.

Tell Him it Makes You Uncomfortable

Don’t worry if you don’t like being called mommy or mama. Those terms aren’t for everyone; there’s nothing wrong with how you feel.

But it’s important to be upfront and honest with your partner.

  • Hey, that word makes me feel a bit weird.
  • Sorry, I don’t really find that romantic.
  • I know you’re trying to be romantic, but I prefer you don’t call me that.

Give Him Other Terms

If you don’t want to be called mama, that’s perfectly acceptable. But it can be helpful to give your boyfriend some other suggestions that do make you feel good.

And if you just want him to refer to you by your name, that’s okay, too. As a woman, you have every right to decide what you’re comfortable being called.

Call Him Daddy

Most guys love it when a girl calls them by a pet name. This can be true if you just started dating, but it can also be true even if you’re in a long-term, committed relationship.

If it feels right to you, don’t shy away from playing his own game. He may love being called daddy or papa.

And if the idea of him in a father figure role turns you on, don’t be afraid to initiate that fantasy!

Final Thoughts

One of the key signs a guy is into a girl is by how he addresses her.

A friend may use nicknames, but someone who’s genuinely interested in you will aim to be much flirtier.

The word mama can mean so many different things in a relationship. But when in doubt, it never hurts to ask a person (particularly when it’s your partner) what he meant.

Last Updated on October 11, 2022 by Alexander Burgemeester

What Does It Mean When A Guy Calls You Mommy? - The Narcissistic Life (2024)

FAQs

When a guy calls you mommy What does that mean? ›

Sometimes men use the term mommy or mama to refer to their younger partners fondly. After all, many of us associate motherhood with youth and vitality. If there is a significant age difference between the two of you (and he's much older), it could be a “reverse” phrase from calling you, baby.

Why do guys like calling you mommy? ›

It's his way of telling you that he feels like you treat him like a child. It's an endearing term meant to signify that he's comfortable around you.

What does mama mean in a relationship? ›

: mother. slang : wife, woman.

Is it weird to call your girlfriend mama? ›

Although the literal meaning is “Mom,” men use it to mean “honey” or “baby” or “darling” when talking to their girlfriend or wife. It's a term of endearment. It has nothing to do with parenthood. It's just a sweet way of talking, and you should take it as a sign that he likes you.

Why do guys call their girls mommy? ›

Some people are turned on by being in an authority position and having (consensual) control over their partner. Words like mommy, daddy, mistress, master, sir, madam, etc. are words used to address authority figures so if someone gets turned on by being in control, they will probably like being called words like that.

What does calling someone a mommy mean? ›

: a female parent mother entry 1 sense 1a.

What are mommy issues in guys? ›

People usually apply the term “mommy issues” to men who display some of the following traits and behaviors: an expectation that romantic partners will provide more than a fair share of household labor or emotional support. trust issues or difficulty showing vulnerability.

Do guys look for someone like their mother? ›

Andrews found that men often favor women who resemble their mother when choosing mates. Similarly, the study showed that women prefer male faces that resemble their fathers. These findings were later reported in a 2002 New Scientist magazine article titled “Like Father Like Husband."

What does BB mean in relationships? ›

It's occasionally used as an acronym for basketball and bye-bye. More commonly, however, bb is short for baby as an affectionate term used of lovers, partners, friends, and even pets. Fans on social media may even gush over their idols by referring to them as bb.

What means mommy issues? ›

Mommy issues refer to problems forming or maintaining healthy adult relationships, due to a person's insecure or unhealthy relationship with their mother or another female figure in their childhood.

Is mommy a term of endearment? ›

Certain cultures use “mommy” to their little children. It is a term of endearment.

What should you not call your girlfriend? ›

Do not call your girlfriend that!
...
Read below, memorize below, and never say what's below.
  • “She's just a friend.” ...
  • “Hang on, I'm playing Call of Duty.” ...
  • “You're prickly.” “Are you bloated?” Or anything else about her body that could be taken negatively. ...
  • “Are you gonna wear that?” Or anything else about her outfit.
25 Jan 2012

What does mommy mean in comments? ›

According to Urban Dictionary, a “mommy” is a “hot female version of a daddy.” A “daddy” refers to a confident, attractive man. Now people are using @roofjesus' audio to express their adoration for women.

Are mommy issues a red flag? ›

A boy with mommy issues may reject his partner when she comes to what he considers to be too close. An avoidant attachment style, fear of intimacy and stonewalling are also common problems for a boy with mommy issues. Spotting these red flags, in the beginning, is essential to making healthy relationship decisions.

What are signs of mommy issues in females? ›

10 signs of mommy issues in women
  • Neediness in relationships.
  • Difficulty expressing affection.
  • Detachment in relationships.
  • Caretaking for others.
  • Tension between you and your mom.
  • Insecurities.
  • Extreme people pleasing.
  • Controlling behavior.
7 Jul 2022

Why are we drawn to certain people? ›

similarity: how like you they are, for example, do you share similar interests or values. reciprocity: we're more likely to like people who like us. physical attractiveness: are they pleasing to look at? familiarity: we like people who seem comfortable to us.

How do men pick partners? ›

According to various studies, we are attracted to people who are like us. We tend to seek partners with whom we share hobbies, values, and concerns. If we can choose among several people, we will prefer someone who has things in common with us, as opposed to a person who is very different.

Does attractiveness come from Mom or Dad? ›

This allowed the researchers to look at the genetic component of attractiveness. They found that attractiveness is hereditary, passed on from father to son. Previous research has shown that females that mate with attractive males do not produce more offspring than those mating with less desirable males.

What does GFE mean in text? ›

GFE (countable and uncountable, plural GFEs) Initialism of girlfriend experience. quotations ▼

What is an LTR in dating? ›

abbreviation for. long-term relationship: used in online dating sites and personal advertisem*nts.

What does BBG mean in text? ›

better be going—a neutral, polite way to end a conversation that might otherwise continue.

What is a dolphin mom? ›

The dolphin parent is ... authoritative in nature. Like the body of the dolphin, they are firm yet flexible. Dolphin parents have rules and expectations but also value creativity and independence. They are collaborative and use guiding and role modelling to raise their kids.

What is cold mother syndrome? ›

Emotionally absent or cold mothers can be unresponsive to their children's needs. They may act distracted and uninterested during interactions, or they could actively reject any attempts of the child to get close. They may continue acting this way with adult children.

What are the characteristics of mama? ›

  • 8 qualities of a mother.
  • Patient.
  • Respectful.
  • Strong.
  • Humble.
  • Empathetic.
  • Authoritative.
  • Supportive.
18 Feb 2022

What is toxic mommy issues? ›

A toxic mother creates a negative home environment where unhealthy interactions and relationships damage a child's sense of self and their views of relationships with others. Over time, it increases the risk of poor development in the child's self-control, emotional regulation, social relations, etc1.

What is the best endearment for couples? ›

44 Sweet, Romantic, and Quirky Nicknames for Your Partner
  • Babe. You can't go wrong with this staple. ...
  • Baby. "Baby" is another go-to nickname that will stick even after you have kids. ...
  • (My) Beloved. "My beloved" was once the most popular term of affection. ...
  • Darling. ...
  • Love. ...
  • Love Bug. ...
  • Lover. ...
  • Hot Stuff.
11 Aug 2022

Why do people call others mommy? ›

According to Perryn, “It's because children typically look to their Mom as the caregiver. It's an expression of “I know you're gonna take care of me.” They're not thinking about it – they just want their needs to be met and to be comforted. And they know that Mommy is the one that usually takes care of that.”

What is the sweetest name to call Mom? ›

Cute Nicknames for Moms
  • Meemee.
  • Mima.
  • Meems.
  • Momsy.
  • Sunshine.
  • Sparkles.
  • Mama Bear.
  • Snuggles.
9 Feb 2021

What do guys usually call their girlfriends? ›

Some guys go the "classic" route with names like "angel," "darling," and "sweetheart"; some prefer food-inspired nicknames, like "cookie" and "cupcake"; and some straight-up worship their partners with loving names like "queen," "goddess," and "light of my life."

What is the most romantic name? ›

Romantic nicknames
  • Sweetie.
  • Sugarplum.
  • Honey Pot.
  • Sweetheart.
  • Baby Boy.
  • Baby Love.
  • Cupcake.
  • Honey Bun.
20 Jul 2022

What is a flirty nickname for a girl? ›

Pumpkin, peanut, bubby, baby, babe, bae, honey, darling, sugar, sweetie, honeybunch

What it means to be a mama? ›

That's what being a mom is all about—always being there—the shoulder to cry on, the cheerleader to never give up, the one that gives the standing ovation, the familiar hand to hold.” “Being a mother means being completely and totally overwhelmed (in the best possible way) by love, joy, responsibility, and selflessness.

What mama means? ›

momma (plural mommas) (US, colloquial) mother.

What does acronym mama mean? ›

What does MAMA stand for?
Rank Abbr.Meaning
MAMAMothers Against Misuse and Abuse
MAMAMothers Against Methamphetamine
MAMAMulti-Anode Microchannel Array
MAMAMovimento Articulado de Mulheres da Amazonia (Portuguese: Articulated Movement of Women from the Amazon)
19 more rows

What is the guy version of mamas? ›

Mother's boy, also commonly and informally mummy's boy or mama's boy, is a term for a man seen as having an unhealthy dependence on his mother at an age at which he is expected to be self-reliant (e.g. live on his own, be economically independent).

What does mom life mean? ›

Definition of #momlife (or #mumlife): The life of a mother; no matter how sleepless, un-showered, moody and feral; the life a mother lives is: unparalleled (or blessed, rewarding, utterly fulfilling)

Does mama mean wife? ›

Mama is an informal word for mother.

What sugar momma means? ›

sugar mama (plural sugar mamas) (informal) An older woman who spends money on a younger person for romantic or sexual purposes.

What does baby mama mean in texting? ›

variants or less commonly baby mamma or baby momma. slang. : the mother of a man's biological child. especially : one who is not married to or in a long-term, intimate relationship with the child's father. "I beat up my baby mama's boyfriend," said Raul, when I asked him what he was in for.

What is a sweet mama? ›

Sweet Mama is a bush-type hybrid squash with a single vine and short internodes. Fruit setting is similar to summer squash. Fruit matures in 45 to 50 days after flowering and has deep green skin with light green streaks. Flesh is bright yellow and very sweet. Weight is 4 to 4.5 pounds (1.8 to 2.0 kilograms).

Does mama mean breast? ›

(anatomy, plural mammae) The milk-secreting organ of female humans and other mammals which includes the mammary gland and the nipple or teat; a breast; an udder.

What does no mamas stand for? ›

What does no mames mean? No mames is crude Spanish slang used to express disbelief (both positive and negative) or excitement. Used especially among Mexican Spanish speakers, the exclamation corresponds to “No way!”, “You're kidding me!”, or “Stop messing with me!”.

Why is mama a universal word? ›

The definitive study on "mama and papa" as universal terms was conducted by Russian linguist Roman Jakobson. He explained that the easiest vocalizations for a human to make are open-mouth vowel sounds. Babies can make vowel sounds (cries) from day one. And they do.

What are the signs of a mama's boy? ›

To know if you're dealing with a mama's boy, look for these signs:
  • His mother's wish is his command. ...
  • He wants daily or nearly daily contact with his mom, either via phone or in person.
  • He always chooses her over his spouse or children.
  • He never moved far away from his mom, or even still lives with her.
25 Oct 2022

How do you spot a mama's boy? ›

Here are some signs that your man is a Mama's boy.
  1. He is always talking to his mother. ...
  2. Your partner's mom knows a tad bit too much about your personal life and relationship. ...
  3. Your partner runs every decision by her. ...
  4. He does not see any flaws in her. ...
  5. He wants you to be like his mom and always keeps comparing you with her.
23 Aug 2019

Why is being a mama's boy a red flag? ›

Mama's boys never learn to stand up for themselves and will not back you over their mother at any cause. You may even notice that early in the relationship. You are constantly insulted or corrected because of her mother. The dynamics of one of these men are so childish and strong that you probably can't change it.

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