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

See Examples For:

babu

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

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

From Time Magazine Archive

Then the babu began frantically to indicate members of the crowd whom he desired to retain as witnesses.

From African Camp Fires by White, Stewart Edward

Make your peace with the Bell in what manner you will, babu; it is no concern of mine.

From The Bronze Bell by Vance, Louis Joseph

So convinced and convincing did the babu appear to Moussa Isa, that the latter decided to try his luck in the matter of unauthorized departure from the Reformatory precincts.

From Driftwood Spars The Stories of a Man, a Boy, a Woman, and Certain Other People Who Strangely Met Upon the Sea of Life by Wren, Percival Christopher