nan
word
Definition
Has two common meanings: (1) A soft, flat Indian bread baked in a tandoor oven, also spelled 'naan.' (2) British informal for grandmother, especially in Northern England. Both are widely used in everyday English.
Usage & Nuances
For the bread meaning: both 'nan' and 'naan' spellings are correct; 'naan' is slightly more common in food writing. Common collocations: 'garlic nan,' 'peshwari nan,' 'nan bread' (technically redundant since 'nan' already means bread). For the grandmother meaning: mainly British English, especially Northern England and working class. Similar to 'nana' but more distinctly British. Context usually makes the meaning clear.
Example Sentences
Can I have some garlic nan with my curry, please?
basic
My nan makes the best Sunday roast in the family.
basic
This restaurant serves freshly baked nan with every meal.
basic
I could eat a whole nan by itself — it's that good when it's fresh out of the oven.
natural
My nan still sends me a fiver in a birthday card every year — bless her.
natural
We're going to nan's house for tea — she'll be upset if we're late.
natural