Schoolmarm: meaning, definitions and examples
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schoolmarm
[ ˈskuːl.mɑːrm ]
historical context
The term 'schoolmarm' refers to a female teacher, particularly one who is perceived as being prim and proper. Traditionally, this word is associated with rural settings in the United States during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Schoolmarms were often responsible for teaching all subjects in a one-room schoolhouse, which required them to be versatile educators. The role typically embodied the values of the community, often emphasizing discipline and moral education. Over time, the term has somewhat fallen out of favor and can carry connotations of being overly strict or conservative.
Synonyms
educator, instructor, teacher, tutor.
Examples of usage
- The schoolmarm enforced strict rules in her classroom.
- In stories, the schoolmarm often played a pivotal role in community ethics.
- Many schoolmarms lived in the small towns where they taught.
Translations
Translations of the word "schoolmarm" in other languages:
🇵🇹 professora
🇮🇳 स्कूलमर्म
🇩🇪 Lehrerin
🇮🇩 guru
🇺🇦 вчителька
🇵🇱 nauczycielka
🇯🇵 学校の先生
🇫🇷 enseignante
🇪🇸 maestra
🇹🇷 öğretmen
🇰🇷 교사
🇸🇦 معلمة
🇨🇿 učitelka
🇸🇰 učiteľka
🇨🇳 女教师
🇸🇮 učiteljica
🇮🇸 skólakennari
🇰🇿 мұғалім
🇬🇪 მასწავლებელი
🇦🇿 müəllimə
🇲🇽 maestra
Etymology
The term 'schoolmarm' originated from the combination of the words 'school' and 'marm', a colloquial term for 'madam' or 'mother'. Its usage became popular in the United States in the 19th century, particularly as the nation expanded westward and the need for educators in rural areas increased. Schoolmarms were often unmarried women who took on the role of teacher in community schools, where they not only educated children but also served as moral guardians. The term has its roots in a time when women were primarily seen in domestic roles, making the role of schoolmarm significant as one of the few professional opportunities for women at the time. Over the years, as the education system became more formal and diversified, the image of the schoolmarm shifted to reflect changing societal views on women and education.