The Affectionate Title Given to Women in Pop Culture

Rihanna at the Met Gala in New York. Notwithstanding her actual maternal bona fides, Rihanna is frequently designated mother on the internet. (Jutharat Pinyodoonyachet/The New York Times)

The slang term “mother” is used by fans, brands, and even mothers themselves to describe famous women with avid devotees. This expression originated from the Black and Latino LGBTQ ballroom scene, in which members are organized into so-called houses often led by a “mother.” Although the term was originally intended as a queer subculture term, it is currently used as a term of endearment and respect for famous women.

In the past, “daddy” was the slang term used to describe good-looking older men. However, in 2023, the term “mother” has taken over, and celebrities such as Mariah Carey, Madonna, Whitney Houston, Adele, the K-pop group Blackpink, and even Princess Diana are often referred to as mother. The meaning of “mother” is subjective, and people call individuals “mother” based on how they influenced pop culture or their effect on the individual.

The term “mother” was first used in the New York ballroom scene in the 1970s in response to racism in the drag and pageant community. These spaces often created surrogate family structures for marginalized LGBTQ people of color. Mother is fundamentally a female figure who raised you through a period in your life, and calling a woman mother is also a way of paying homage to them for the work they’ve put in their respective industries.

The title “Mother” has evolved from these communities who have had to re-create or rethink what actual mothering and family are after being ostracized from their biological families. This title makes sense for some figures outside the ballroom community, such as Diana Ross or Patti LaBelle, as they nurtured individuals with their music and cultural contribution.

Re-reported from the story originally published in https://indianexpress.com/