mama-san

plural mama-sans · alternative mamasan · alternative mammasan

1. A mother, in Japan or East Asia.First known use 1900s
2. A woman in a position of authority, especially the madam of a geisha bar.First known use 1940s

   ‘I had a last go at the film festival, hoping those Thai mammasans would stir you up with some juice kiddy-porn.’

   2000, JG Ballard, Super-Cannes, Fourth Estate, published 2011, page 340

   1 more example

   "We just get one very small meal – a single rice ball or piece of bread," said Mieko Kono, a hostess bar "mama-san" who looks spectacularly out of place in the municipal office, dolled up as she is in her work clothes of leopard-print top and slacks.

   2011 March 15, Jonathan Watts, The Guardian