babu
Americannoun
-
a Hindu title of address equivalent to Sir, Mr., or Esquire.
-
a Hindu gentleman.
-
Older Use. an Indian clerk who can write in English.
-
Usually Disparaging. any Indian having only a limited knowledge of English.
noun
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
Make your peace with the Bell in what manner you will, babu; it is no concern of mine.
From The Bronze Bell by Louis Joseph Vance
The babu had certainly described him as one whom the other officers laughed at for his ignorance and inexperience.
From Cupid in Africa by P. C. Wren
"I am truly sorry, I am truly sorry," the babu was murmuring at our elbows.
From African Camp Fires by Stewart Edward White
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
