hobnob

American  

[hob-nob] / ˈhɒbˌnɒb /

verb (used without object)

hobnobbed, hobnobbing

1. to associate on very friendly terms (usually followed bywith ).

   She often hobnobs with royalty.

2. Archaic. to drink together.

---

noun

1. a friendly, informal chat.

hobnob British  

/ ˈhɒbˌnɒb /

verb

1. to socialize or talk informally

2. obsolete to drink (with)

---

Etymology

Origin of hobnob

First recorded in 1825–30 in the sense “hit or miss; at random”; from the phrase hab or nab literally, “have or have not,” from Middle English habbe or nabbe, Old English habban “to have” + nabbn “not to have” (from ne “not” + habban “to have”)

Example Sentences

So they have jumped at the chance to glad-hand voters, kiss babies, and hobnob with activists at backyard barbecues and meetups at the chain of Pizza Ranch restaurants that have become an Iowa campaign staple.

From Washington Times • Sep. 10, 2023

As a Black artist with an elementary school education, who was born into segregation, he went on to hobnob with presidents and royalty and to meet the pope.

From New York Times • Aug. 3, 2023

“He won’t be able to hobnob and network, but he will be visible,” she added.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 29, 2021

The deal allowed Dunn to hobnob with billionaires, boost his own social standing and entertain other high-level CBS executives and corporate clients.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 24, 2021

But he was wowed when, later, after the concert, Woz came backstage and asked Dan if he wanted to have dinner sometime, just to hobnob and hang out.

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel