grandad

IPA/ˈɡrændæd/
KK[ɡrˈændˌæd]IPA/ˈɡrændæd/

grandad — noun

  • grandadsingular
  • grandadsplural

1. In informal, affectionate language, the father of someone's mother or father — u

1.nounA2
Definition

In informal, affectionate language, the father of someone's mother or father — used especially by children or when talking warmly about a family member.

Example

Nadia visits her grandad every Sunday after church.

possessive 'her' + grandad: family relationship

Felix's grandad taught him how to fish when he was six.

Common collocations
  • my grandad
  • grandad's house
  • dear old grandad
  • late grandad
Synonyms
  • grandpa

    equally informal, more common in American English

  • grandfather

    neutral and more formal; used in official documents or polite contexts

Antonyms
  • grandma

    the female equivalent, referring to a grandmother

Grammar Patterns

possessive + grandad

grandad as direct address

Usage Note

Frequently used by children and grandchildren in everyday family talk. 'Grandad' is warmer and less formal than 'grandfather'; it is common in British English and Australian English.

Common Mistakes

I wrote a letter to my grandad' (in a very formal context like a condolence note).
I wrote a letter to my grandfather
use 'grandfather' for formal writing; 'grandad' is informal.

2. A word used to speak to a man you do not know, especially an older one, often in

2.nounB2
Definition

A word used to speak to a man you do not know, especially an older one, often in a rude, impatient, or teasing way — sometimes meant humorously between people who know each other.

Example

"Hey, grandad, you dropped your wallet!" called out Élise.

direct address 'grandad' delivering a polite warning to a stranger

Some kids shouted "grandad!" at the old man as he walked past.

Common collocations
  • hey, grandad
  • listen, grandad
  • come on, grandad
Synonyms
  • old man

    similar in register; can also be rude or affectionate depending on tone

  • pops

    American informal, sometimes friendly but can sound dismissive

Grammar Patterns

grandad as a form of address (no determiner)

Usage Note

Can sound rude or disrespectful if said with a harsh tone. In some communities, friends or neighbours use it playfully with no offence intended. Avoid using this sense with someone you do not know well.

Common Mistakes

Excuse me, grandad, do you know what time it is?' (to a stranger you intend to be polite to).
Excuse me, sir, do you know what time it is?
'grandad' can sound insulting to a stranger; use 'sir' for politeness.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

'Grandad' and 'grandpa' are both informal and affectionate, but 'grandad' is more typical of British and Australian English, while 'grandpa' is the go-to informal term in American English. 'Granddad' is a common variant spelling of 'grandad' and carries the same tone and use. 'Grandfather' is the most neutral and formal option — the right choice for official documents, condolence messages, or when showing respect in a formal setting. For example, a child might say 'I love my grandad' at home but write 'My grandfather was a teacher' in a school essay.

grandad ↗grandpa ↗grandfather ↗granddad ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • grandad's stories
  • grandad's house
  • grandad's garden
  • grandad's glasses

Phrases

  • my dear old grandad
  • late grandad

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

'Grandad' is a shortened form of 'granddad', first used in the late 18th century. The 'grand-' part comes from Old French 'grand' (meaning 'large, great', from Latin 'grandis'), which was used in family terms to mean 'one generation older or younger'. The 'dad' part comes from children's speech, recorded since the 1500s. The spelling 'grandad' (one 'd') became common in British English during the 20th century.