babu

[ bah-boo ]

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.

babu

/ 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

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of babu¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of babu¹

Hindi, literally: father

Example Sentences

These partially educated Bengalis form the Babu class, and many are employed in the railways.

From Project Gutenberg

Said the Babu when he had talked for an hour and a half, 'I hope some day to enjoy your offeecial acquaintance.

From Project Gutenberg

The Babu's famous drug-box proved useless, though Kim had restocked it at Bombay.

From Project Gutenberg

Com-plete in every particular,' said Hurree Babu, rolling into the balcony to clean his teeth at a goglet. '

From Project Gutenberg

Hurree Babu stepped back a pace or two into the crowd at the entrance of Lucknow station and—was gone.

From Project Gutenberg