babu

American  

[bah-boo] / ˈbɑ bu /

Also baboo

noun

1. a Hindu title of address equivalent to Sir, Mr., or Esquire.

2. a Hindu gentleman.

3. Older Use. an Indian clerk who can write in English.

4. Usually Disparaging. any Indian having only a limited knowledge of English.

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babu British  

/ ˈbɑːbuː /

noun

1. (in India) a title or form of address more or less equivalent to Mr , placed before a person's full name or after his first name

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Sensitive Note

The term babu English is a disparaging name for a florid, overly polite, or unidiomatic variety of English historically associated with Indians who have limited proficiency in English.

Etymology

Origin of babu

First recorded in 1875–80, babu is from the Hindi word bābū

Example Sentences

The national leadership, from Nehru down to the lowliest babu, seems more tired than inspired.

From Time Magazine Archive

Refinements upon the art of gentle descent began at least five centuries ago when a quaint babu hugely diverted the court of Siam by jumping off the roof with two umbrellas hooked in his girdle.

From Time Magazine Archive

Mrs. van Does came in trembling, following by a babu carrying her bundle, her merchandise.

From The Hidden Force A Story of Modern Java by Couperus, Louis

Amber made a careful note of this information; he was curious about that babu.

From The Bronze Bell by Vance, Louis Joseph

So did the medical officer, and he shouted to the stretcher-bearers, babu, mule-drivers, porters, everybody, to carry the wounded farther into the bush—quick—quick.

From Cupid in Africa by Wren, P. C.