Spoonful #62: Mom vs mom: Happy Mother's Day!

On this day to honor moms far and wide, it seems appropriate to discuss when to capitalize MOM in your essays and stories. This spoonful will be short and sweet, so you have plenty of time to do something special for the MOMS in your life.

This is the question I hear frequently: Shouldn't I ALWAYS capitalize MOM? I mean, isn't it a sign of respect?


Here's my answer:
Mom is a term of endearment used as a name. If you talk directly to her, capitalize Mom. Here's a common example:
"I'll be ready in 5 minutes, Mom!"
This could be changed to "I'll be ready in 5 minutes, Laura!" 

If you write "your mom" or "my mom," you aren't referring to her by name. In fact, you're talking about her, not directly to her.  
Here's an example: "My mom makes the best brownies ever!" 

In case you're wondering, DAD, SIS, GRAM, GRAMPS, AUNTIE, and any other title used as a name follow the same rule. 

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!! 

Sincerely,
Laura Fineberg Cooper

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