hobnob

[ hob-nob ]

verb (used without object)

, hob·nobbed, hob·nob·bing.

1. to associate on very friendly terms (usually followed by with ):

   She often hobnobs with royalty.

2. Archaic. to drink together.

noun

1. a friendly, informal chat.

hobnob

/ ˈhɒbˌnɒb /

verb

1. to socialize or talk informally
2. obsolete.
   to drink (with)

Word History and Origins

Origin of hobnob¹

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”)

Word History and Origins

Origin of hobnob¹

C18: from hob or nob to drink to one another in turns, hence, to be familiar, ultimately from Old English habban to have + nabban not to have

Example Sentences

He preened, he hugged, he shook hands and hobnobbed with legends and politicians.

From Los Angeles Times

While Ralph Nader came from a respected background of advancing consumer protection laws, Jill Stein is better known for hobnobbing with Russian officials and spouting disinformation on behalf of Vladimir Putin.

From Salon

Sure enough, part of Snoop’s social media mission took him on the U.S. basketball team’s bus to hobnob with Steph Curry, Kevin Durant and other court superstars.

From Salon

Charles Grant, director of the Centre for European Reform, said the summit will allow Sir Keir to “hobnob and establish human connections” with European leaders he has never met.

From BBC

Palka, who has since retired, was then head of the department’s Hollywood station and nicknamed “Capt. Hollywood” because of his hobnobbing with celebrities.

From Los Angeles Times