What does “Hobnob” mean?
The phrase "hobnob" means to "socialize with people of an artificially higher status." When someone uses "hobnob", they are referring to the act of mingling or associating with individuals who hold a perceived higher social or economic standing than themselves. It implies seeking opportunities to connect or be seen with these individuals, often for personal gain or to elevate one's own status.
How is the expression used in real life?
Example
I saw him hobnobbing with all the celebrities at the party.
Example
She loves to hobnob with the rich and famous.
Example
He always tries to hobnob with the upper class to boost his image.
What context can I use each expression in?
- 1Describing socializing with celebrities or people of higher status
I saw him hobnobbing with all the celebrities at the party.
She loves to hobnob with the rich and famous.
- 2Describing attempts to socialize with the upper class for personal gain
He always tries to hobnob with the upper class to boost his image.
She attends high-profile events to hobnob with influential people.
- 3Describing networking or socializing in general
He enjoys hobnobbing with people from different industries.
She likes to hobnob at social events to expand her professional network.
Good things to know:
What is the origin of the phrase?
The term "hobnob" originated in the United States and has been in use since the early 18th century. It is derived from the phrase 'hab nab,' which means to drink together or to be on familiar terms with someone.
Can the phrase be used on its own?
While "hobnob" is typically used in a sentence, it can also be used on its own to convey the act of socializing with people of higher status. For example, if someone asks what you did at a party, you might respond with "I hobnobbed with all the celebrities" to emphasize the socializing aspect.
Is the phrase offensive?
The phrase "hobnob" is not offensive in itself. It is a slang term used to describe socializing with people of an artificially higher status.
Audience for the phrase
The phrase "hobnob" is commonly used by English speakers, particularly in the United States. It is more likely to be used by individuals who are familiar with slang and informal language.
Is the phrase specific to an accent or country?
While "hobnob" originated in the United States, it is not specific to any particular accent or region. It can be understood and used by English speakers worldwide.
