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

“Life is this, only, babu. You came for this.”

From The New Yorker

As usual, the foolish babus in South Block do not understand how they lose the battle for media sympathy.

From New York Times

“What kind of work will they do when there is not one iota of self-discipline? As it is, all the babus do is pass on files,” he added, using a colloquial term for bureaucrats.

From New York Times

The 163-year-old service will stop in India on Monday and for tar babus the future is uncertain.

From The Guardian

No concessions to the clamour of the babus of Bengal will retain the loyalty of this country.

From Project Gutenberg