babu
8
9.9
- noun
- Indian
:
babu
- May I say first, Babu, I wish you long life and good health.
- Yeah, babu
- Yes, Babu
- Babu, said Deshi
Examples
-
Please, Babu, this is as if the ground has opened up.
Fiction book (1992) -
You keep on calling me Babu.
-
In the next room, Dhurjati Babu has opened the door to the verandah.
Fiction book (1992) -
You're back, Babu!
-
Dhurjati Babu wiped his dusty hands on a handkerchief, turned towards me, and said, "Let's go."
Fiction book (1992) -
Your guidance has always been invaluable to us, Babu.
-
The villagers respect him and often greet him as Babu.
-
At the meeting, everyone referred to him as Babu, acknowledging his status.
Synonyms
∞
1.0
A respectful way to speak to an adult man you do not know
4
9.9
A polite way to call a man, used in South Asia and the Caribbean
1
9.9
A polite title used to address a respected person, like Mr
A polite title used before a man's name
A respectful word used to address someone in authority
A respectful title used before a Sikh or South Asian man's name to show honor
Surface Forms
Etymology
Babu comes from South Asia and is like the familiar baba, which means 'father' or 'sir'. It became a polite title for men, often used for officials or clerks, so thinking of it as calling someone 'respected father' or 'sir' helps you remember its meaning.