use of "Tía"

Question

I read (and have forgotten where) that the term "Tía" can be used (at least by Mexican Americans) as a term of endearment toward a woman older than oneself. I had the impression the meaning would then be something similar to "very good friend". Is that correct, or am I way off the mark?

Answer 1

Tía means aunt and can be used as an endearment under the circumstances you mention. Just too as tío is often used to reference an older friend, or indirectly a teacher.