babu
|ba-bu|
🇺🇸
/bəˈbuː/
🇬🇧
/ˈbɑːbuː/
respectful familiar address; Indian clerk
Etymology
'babu' originates from Hindi and Bengali, specifically the words 'babu' (बाबू/বাবু), where the root 'bābā' meant 'father', 'sir' or a respectful form of address.
'babu' was used in South Asian languages as a respectful form of address (e.g., 'bābā'); it was borrowed into English during the 18th–19th century British colonial period as 'baboo' and later standardized in some usages as 'babu'.
Initially it meant 'father' or a respectful address; in English it came to mean 'native clerk' or 'bureaucrat' (often derogatory), while in South Asian languages it retained affectionate and respectful senses.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a native Indian clerk or low-level official, especially during the British colonial period; often used in a condescending or derogatory way.
The colonial officer relied on the local babu to process the paperwork.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a term of endearment in several South Asian languages (e.g., Bengali, Hindi) meaning 'baby', 'darling', or 'little one'.
She kissed her newborn and whispered 'babu'.
Synonyms
Noun 3
a male personal name or surname in South Asia.
Babu attended the village meeting.
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/12/24 03:38