Tiger mom
Meaning: A very strict, demanding mother who pushes her children hard academically and in extracurricular activities.
A tiger mom enforces rigorous study schedules, expects straight A's, and signs kids up for piano, violin, and math tutoring. The term was especially associated with Asian American parenting after Amy Chua's controversial book, but it now describes any extremely strict, achievement-oriented mother regardless of ethnicity.
Examples
- Her mom is a total tiger mom — she wasn't allowed to have sleepovers until high school. 她妈妈是个彻头彻尾的虎妈——高中之前都不让她参加同学的过夜聚会。Su madre es una madre tigresa total — no le dejaron ir a dormir a casa de amigas hasta el instituto.彼女のお母さんは完全にタイガーマムだよ。高校になるまでお泊まり会も許されなかったんだって。그녀 엄마는 완전 타이거맘이야 — 고등학교 전까지 외박도 못 했대.
- Tiger moms get results, but at what cost to the kid's mental health? 虎妈确实出成绩,但对孩子心理健康的代价呢?Las madres tigresa consiguen resultados, pero ¿a qué precio para la salud mental del niño?タイガーマムは結果を出すけど、子供のメンタルヘルスへの代償はどうなの?타이거맘은 결과를 만들어내지만, 아이의 정신 건강에 드는 대가는?
- I appreciate my tiger mom now. She pushed me to succeed. 现在回想起来很感谢我的虎妈。是她推着我走向成功。Ahora agradezco a mi madre tigresa. Ella me empujó a tener éxito.今になってタイガーマムの母に感謝してる。あの人が成功へと背中を押してくれた。이제 와서 타이거맘인 엄마에게 감사해. 엄마가 성공하도록 밀어줬으니까.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: parenting styles, education, cultural discussions
Tone: descriptive, sometimes critical
✓ Do Say
- She's a tiger mom about grades.她在成绩方面是个虎妈。Es una madre tigresa con las notas.彼女のお母さんは成績に関してはタイガーマムだよ。그녀는 성적에 관해서는 타이거맘이야.
- Tiger mom parenting is controversial.虎妈式教育很有争议。La crianza de madre tigresa es controvertida.タイガーマム式の子育ては賛否両論ある。타이거맘 양육은 논란이 많아.
✗ Don't Say
- Be careful using this term — it can carry racial stereotypes about Asian parents使用这个词要小心——它可能带有对亚裔父母的种族刻板印象Ten cuidado al usar este término — puede llevar estereotipos raciales sobre los padres asiáticosこの言葉はアジア人の親に対する人種的ステレオタイプを含む可能性があるため、使用には注意が必要이 표현을 사용할 때 주의할 것 — 아시아 부모에 대한 인종적 고정관념을 담고 있을 수 있다
Origin & History
Popularized by Amy Chua's 2011 memoir 'Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother,' which described her strict Chinese American parenting style. The book sparked intense debate about parenting approaches and cultural expectations in America.
Cultural Context
Era: 2011 (mainstream)
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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