babu Definition
- 1a Hindu title of respect for a man, equivalent to Mr.
- 2a clerk or bureaucrat in India
Using babu: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "babu" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The babu at the government office was very helpful.
Example
He was addressed as Babu by his colleagues.
Example
The British used the term 'babu' to refer to Indian clerks and bureaucrats during colonial times.
babu Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for babu
Phrases with babu
a style of spoken or written English characterized by the use of archaic or overly formal language, often used mockingly to describe the language used by Indian bureaucrats
Example
The letter from the government office was written in Babu English, making it difficult to understand.
the bureaucracy or administrative system in India
Example
The inefficiencies of babudom are often criticized by the public.
the practice of bureaucracy or red tape, especially in India
Example
The company had to navigate through a lot of babuism to get the necessary permits.
Origins of babu
from Hindi 'bābū', meaning 'father'
Summary: babu in Brief
'Babu' [ˈbɑːbuː] is a Hindu title of respect for a man, equivalent to Mr. It also refers to a clerk or bureaucrat in India, often with a negative connotation. The term has given rise to phrases like 'Babu English,' which describes the overly formal language used by Indian bureaucrats, and 'babudom,' which refers to the bureaucracy in India.
