>>75125
The functional difference between ババア and 婆 lies primarily in their connotation, context of usage, and tone.

1. ババア (baba):
- Colloquial/Slang: This term is a more casual or even derogatory way to refer to an old woman. It can be rude or insulting, depending on the context. It is often used in a rough, informal speech to refer to an elderly woman, and can carry a connotation of disrespect. It’s akin to calling someone an "old hag" or "old lady" in a dismissive tone.
- Tone: Disrespectful, blunt, or mocking.
- Usage: Mostly heard in everyday speech, especially among younger people or in media where a character is being deliberately rude.

2. 婆 (ばば / baba):
- Neutral/Formal: This kanji, when used alone, is more neutral and literary. It simply means "old woman" or "grandmother" and can be used in written or formal contexts. While it can still be casual depending on the context, it lacks the harsh tone of ババア. When used with respect, it’s often as part of terms like お婆さん (おばあさん, obaasan), meaning "grandmother" or a polite form for "elderly woman."
- Tone: Neutral to polite.
- Usage: Found in more formal speech or writing, or in compound words referring to older women or grandmothers.

In summary:
- ババア is typically rough and rude, while
- 婆 is neutral and polite when used in appropriate contexts.