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Glite Dictionary
baboo

baboo

1 9.9
A polite title used to address a respected person, like Mr
  • noun
  • /bəˈbu/
  • Archaic
translation icon : babú

Examples

  • 64 Baboo Asmal's anecdote attests to the importance of Indian wholesalers: PREFORMATTED TABLE

    Academic text (2005)

  • The villagers respectfully addressed the elder as baboo during the festival.

  • In colonial India, a merchant might greet his customer with the title baboo.

  • Children in the community often referred to their teacher as baboo out of respect.

Synonyms

babu
vsbaboo
  • Indian
8 9.9

A respectful title for a man in South Asia often used for officials or clerks

is the colonial Hindi courtesy title used more broadly for respect
bwana
vsbaboo
  • UK
2 9.9

A polite word for a man in charge in East Africa

is the South Asian colonial Hindi courtesy term rather than an East African form
sarkar
vsbaboo
  • Indian
9.9

A respectful word used to address someone in authority

is a Hindi colonial courtesy word used generally for respectful address

Surface Forms

baboo singular
baboos plural

Etymology

Baboo comes from the Hindi word babu, which people used like a polite 'father' or 'sir' to show respect. So, during British rule it was used as a title for educated men, and baboo now means a respectful form of address similar to 'Mr' or 'sir'.