Babu (title)
Encyclopedia
The term babu, also spelled baboo, is used in modern-day South Asia
as a sign of respect towards men. It is a derivation of bapu which means father. The honorific "ji
" is sometimes added as a suffix to create the double honorific "babuji" which, in northern and eastern parts of India
, is a term of respect for one's father. "Babuji" can also be used as a term of respect for any respected elder or man. In some Indian states, "babu" is also used as a generic word of respect to address men, especially unknown ones, e.g., "Babu, can you help me?" In Bengali
, "babu" is used as suffix to a person's name to show respect while calling him by name, e.g., "Sudarshan-babu, could you please come here!" The term "babu" may be suffixed to a person's name, but the term "babuji" is always used by itself.. In the Saurashtra language
, "babu" may refer to a younger brother (sibling), or it can be used more broadly, similar to the terms fellow or bretheran, but, only in reference to those younger than oneself.
In British India, "babu" was a term used to describe a native India
n clerk. The word was originally used as a term of respect attached to a proper name, the equivalent of "mister", and "babuji" was used in many parts to mean "sir"; but when used alone without the suffix, it was a derogatory word signifying a semi-literate native, with a mere veneer of modern education. In the early 20th century the term babu was frequently used to refer to bureaucrats and other government officials, especially by the Indian media; in this sense the word hints at corrupt or lazy work practices
.
"Babu" also means grandfather in Swahili, like "papu" in Greek. In the Nepali and Bengali languages, it is a means of calling with love and affection to spouses or younger brothers, sons, grandsons, etc.
South Asia
South Asia, also known as Southern Asia, is the southern region of the Asian continent, which comprises the sub-Himalayan countries and, for some authorities , also includes the adjoining countries to the west and the east...
as a sign of respect towards men. It is a derivation of bapu which means father. The honorific "ji
-ji
Jī is an important honorific used as a suffix in Hindi-Urdu and many other languages of the Indian subcontinent. Its usage is similar, but not identical, to another subcontinental honorific, sāhab...
" is sometimes added as a suffix to create the double honorific "babuji" which, in northern and eastern parts of India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
, is a term of respect for one's father. "Babuji" can also be used as a term of respect for any respected elder or man. In some Indian states, "babu" is also used as a generic word of respect to address men, especially unknown ones, e.g., "Babu, can you help me?" In Bengali
Bengali language
Bengali or Bangla is an eastern Indo-Aryan language. It is native to the region of eastern South Asia known as Bengal, which comprises present day Bangladesh, the Indian state of West Bengal, and parts of the Indian states of Tripura and Assam. It is written with the Bengali script...
, "babu" is used as suffix to a person's name to show respect while calling him by name, e.g., "Sudarshan-babu, could you please come here!" The term "babu" may be suffixed to a person's name, but the term "babuji" is always used by itself.. In the Saurashtra language
Saurashtra language
Sourashtra or "Sourashtras" or ꢱꣃꢬꢵꢰ꣄ꢜ꣄ꢬꢵ refers to a community of people who had their original homes in Gujarat and presently settled almost in all major Towns of Tamil Nadu and are concentrated more in Madurai which is considered as their cultural Headquarters.They have also settled in...
, "babu" may refer to a younger brother (sibling), or it can be used more broadly, similar to the terms fellow or bretheran, but, only in reference to those younger than oneself.
In British India, "babu" was a term used to describe a native India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
n clerk. The word was originally used as a term of respect attached to a proper name, the equivalent of "mister", and "babuji" was used in many parts to mean "sir"; but when used alone without the suffix, it was a derogatory word signifying a semi-literate native, with a mere veneer of modern education. In the early 20th century the term babu was frequently used to refer to bureaucrats and other government officials, especially by the Indian media; in this sense the word hints at corrupt or lazy work practices
Work ethic
Work ethic is a set of values based on hard work and diligence. It is also a belief in the moral benefit of work and its ability to enhance character. An example would be the Protestant work ethic...
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"Babu" also means grandfather in Swahili, like "papu" in Greek. In the Nepali and Bengali languages, it is a means of calling with love and affection to spouses or younger brothers, sons, grandsons, etc.
See also
- SahibSahibSahib is an Urdu term which literally translates to "Owner" or "Proprietor". The primary Arabic meaning of Sahib is "associate, companion, comrade, friend" though it also includes "Sahib is an Urdu term which literally translates to "Owner" or "Proprietor". The primary Arabic meaning of Sahib...
- EffendiEffendiEffendi, Effendy or Efendi is a title of nobility meaning a lord or master.It is a title of respect or courtesy, equivalent to the English Sir, which was used in Ottoman Empire...
- Babuji (disambiguation)
- Babu (disambiguation)