What are the Godfather and Godmother?

[learnerAF]

Hi. What's the actual concept of Godfather and Godmother in regard to both religion and the English language? I have no clue about these, as I am not a Christian.

 

[Tarheel]

Q: What is a godfather (or godmother)?
A: As I understand it, if something happens to the child's parents the godfather (or godmother) takes over religious instruction.

 

[5jj]

Godparent - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[5jj]

What do you mean by 'in regard to the English language'?

 

[Tdol]

In practice, it is often just a formality. My godfather, whose name I cannot remember, sent me a cheque on my eighteenth birthday with a message that it would be a surprise he had remembered me. That was kind, and the only contact we had.

 

[Barque]

and the English language?

If you're asking about the more general meaning, as in the movie, it means something like a mentor or someone more experienced and with more resources who looks out for your interests.

 

[Glizdka]

There's also the film The Godfather which has made the word godfather sometimes mean a mafia boss, in the right cotext.