‘Jiù lǎo lǎo’ refers specifically to the wife of one’s maternal grandfather’s brother — that is, the spouse of one’s mother’s uncle. It is a kinship term used exclusively in the maternal line and reflects Chinese culture’s precise distinction among extended family members. The first character 舅 (jiù) means ‘mother’s brother’, while 姥姥 (lǎo lǎo) is an affectionate or respectful term for ‘maternal grandmother’; together, they form a compound indicating a ‘grandmother-like’ elder woman married into the maternal uncle’s branch.

This term is used mainly in spoken Mandarin, especially in northern and central China, and carries warmth and familiarity. Unlike formal titles, it implies closeness and frequent interaction — often used by children when addressing or referring to this relative during family gatherings, holidays, or visits. It is not used for paternal relatives, and no equivalent exists in English, requiring descriptive translation.