babu

ba-bu · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    (Historical, Indian English) A title of respect equivalent to Mr. or Sir, especially for Hindu men.

  2. 2.

    (Historical, often derogatory) An Indian clerk or official who wrote in English during the British colonial period.

  3. 3.

    (Informal, South Asian) A term of address for a baby boy or young male child.

Forms

plural: babus

Related words

See also: mister, sahib, sir
Synonyms: clerk, mister, sir

Etymology

From Hindi babu (बाबू), a term of respect meaning "father" or "sir," ultimately from Sanskrit. Entered English during the British colonial period in India.