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Babu
//ˈbɑːbuː// name, noun
Definitions
Proper Noun
- 1 A surname.
Noun
- 1 A Hindu title of respect, equivalent to Mr., usually appended to the surname of a Hindu man. Hinglish, India, North
"I could see Kana-babu’s sweet-shop at the end of their lane with absolute clarity."
- 2 used as a Hindi courtesy title; equivalent to English ‘Mr’ wordnet
- 3 an archetypical Indian bureaucrat, perceived as being corrupt, lazy or arrogant. India, derogatory
"BBMP doesn’t have any elected representatives right now. So a babu has floated this tender to benefit his favourite businessmen."
- 4 Originally, a Hindu gentleman employed to work as a clerk for the colonial administration; now, a clerk or low-ranking government official. India, historical
"The Babu put on his cap and quietly dropped out of the window"
Etymology
From Hindi बाबू (bābū).
See also for "babu"
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