老妈 literally combines 老 (lǎo, 'old') and 妈 (mā, 'mom'), but it doesn’t mean 'old mom'—it’s a warm, colloquial, and slightly teasing or affectionate way to refer to one’s own mother. The 'lǎo' here adds familiarity and intimacy, similar to how English speakers might say 'my old mom' playfully—not to imply age, but closeness and shared history. It’s commonly used in spoken Mandarin among children, teenagers, and adults when speaking informally with friends or even directly to their mothers.

This term is rarely used in formal writing or respectful address (e.g., in official letters or when introducing your mother to elders); there, 妈妈 (māma) or 母亲 (mǔqīn) are more appropriate. 老妈 carries gentle humor and affection—it often appears in lighthearted family conversations, social media posts, or casual storytelling about childhood memories or everyday family life.