How Do You Spell BABBIT?

Pronunciation: [bˈabɪt] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "babbit" can be confusing at first glance, but it follows a consistent English spelling pattern. The initial "b" is pronounced with the lips together, while the "a" is pronounced as a short vowel sound like "æ." The second "b" is pronounced in the same way as the first, but followed by the doubled "t" which is pronounced with a brief stop of the airflow. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word "babbit" is written as /ˈbæbɪt/.

BABBIT Meaning and Definition

1. Babbit (noun): A babbit is a term that originated from the title character in the novel "Babbitt" by Sinclair Lewis. In a broader sense, it refers to a person who epitomizes conventional attitudes, narrow-mindedness, materialistic values, and suburban or middle-class conformity.

   Typically associated with the American middle class, a babbit is someone who embraces the standards and lifestyle of their social group unquestioningly. They conform to societal norms and seek financial success, material possessions, and social status as their primary goals in life. Babbitts are often seen as unoriginal, conservative, and lacking individuality, as they blindly follow the popular opinions and trends of their peers.

   Often used as a derogatory term, babbit expresses the criticism of society's infatuation with superficial values and the conformist mindset that discourages critical thinking or deviation from tradition. Babbitts tend to prioritize conformity over personal growth, originality, or challenging the status quo.

   The term "babbittry" can also be used to describe the collective mentality or pervasive influence of the babbit. It highlights the tendency of individuals to conform and suppress their own unique aspirations and viewpoints in favor of fitting into the prevailing norms.

   Nevertheless, it is important to note that the definition of a babbit may vary depending on cultural context and societal norms, as different cultures have their own expectations and standards for conformity.

Common Misspellings for BABBIT

• bwbbit
• bwabbit
• bibbit
• bafbit
• babbyt
• babbht
• b abbit

Etymology of BABBIT

The word "babbit" is derived from the surname "Babbitt", which originated as an English occupational name. In the 16th century, it referred to someone who made a living by burnishing or polishing metal objects, such as a brazier. Over time, the term "babbitt" developed a negative connotation, reflecting the idea of a person who is conventional, materialistic, and conformist. This shift in meaning is largely attributed to the American writer Sinclair Lewis and his novel "Babbitt", published in 1922, which portrayed a protagonist named George F. Babbitt as an embodiment of middle-class mediocrity and conformity. The term "babbitt" thus came to represent the average, conformist, and materialistic American citizen.

Similar spelling words for BABBIT

• Babette,
• bobbitt,
• babbitt.

Plural form of BABBIT is BABBITS