schoolmarm
pronunciation
How to pronounce schoolmarm in British English:
UK [ˈsku:lmɑ:m]
How to pronounce schoolmarm in American English:
US [ˈskulmɑrm]
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- Noun:
- a woman schoolteacher (especially one regarded as strict)
Word Origin
- schoolmarm (n.)
- also school-marm, "female school teacher," 1834, American English colloquial, in countrified humor writing of "Major Jack Downing" of Maine (Seba Smith); variant of school-ma'am (1828), American English, from school (n.1) + ma'am. See R. Used figuratively from 1887 in reference to patronizing and priggish instruction.
Example
- 1. They envision gold as a harsh disciplinarian , a schoolmarm menacing the federal reserve with a paddle .