appa
3
9.1
A word children use for their father in South Asian families
- noun
- /ˈɑːpə/
- Indian
:
appa
- Lovely Appa is what Room to Read calls a social mobilizer, women whom we employ to work directly on the ground with our Girls' Education students as their personal advocates on the path to graduation.
Examples
-
"When is the bus to Tirukkanangudi, appa?" she asked.
Fiction book (1992) -
My dear appa believed himself part of the new India.
-
Appa does seem to like him.
-
My appa always encouraged me to pursue my dreams.
-
"How was your day, appa?" she asked as they sat down for dinner.
-
I always turn to my appa for advice when I face challenges.
Synonyms
father
vsappa
∞
1.0
A man who has a child
is the culturally marked family address used within South Asian communities
∞
1.0
A man who is your father
is the common informal form used in South Asian homes with cultural roots
∞
1.0
An informal name a child uses for their father
is used across ages in South Asian families rather than mainly by children
43
8.5
A warm word some families use for father or grandfather
is used mainly within South Asian families rather than in many cultures
16
9.1
A young child's word for father
is used across ages in South Asian families rather than only by young children
2
8.2
A familiar loving name a child uses for their father
is a regional affectionate address used in South Asian families
Surface Forms
Etymology
Appa comes from South Asian languages like Tamil, Telugu and Kannada where it means 'father'. It is used in families much like the English word 'dad', so the sound appa helps you remember a close, caring parent.