Meaning

(Hinglish, North India) A Hindu title of respect, equivalent to Mr., usually appended to the surname of a Hindu man..

Definitions by Sense

1. (Hinglish, North India) A Hindu title of respect, equivalent to Mr., usually appended to the surname of a Hindu man.
2. (derogatory, chiefly social media) an archetypical Indian bureaucrat, perceived as being corrupt, lazy or arrogant.
3. (historical) Originally, a Hindu gentleman employed to work as a clerk for the colonial administration; now, a clerk or low-ranking government official.

Example Sentences

I could see Kana-babu’s sweet-shop at the end of their lane with absolute clarity.

BBMP doesn’t have any elected representatives right now. So a babu has floated this tender to benefit his favourite businessmen.

The Babu put on his cap and quietly dropped out of the window

Office babus are the real rulers of this country now. Our number's up. Best thing we can do is to shut up shop and let 'em stew in their own juice.

From the prevailing colonial perspective, the English of the babus was error-ridden and characterised by over-elaborate ornateness, and for these ‘transgressions’ it became the butt of native-speaker ridicule.

Word Forms

• babus
• baboo

Synonyms for babu

Related Words

When Should You Use Babu?

Use babu when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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