How Do You Spell BOB?

Pronunciation: [bˈɒb] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "bob" is straightforward in English as it is pronounced exactly as it is spelled. The IPA phonetic transcription is /bɑb/. The first sound is a voiced bilabial stop /b/, which is produced by pressing both lips together to block airflow and then releasing it. The second sound is an open back lax vowel /ɑ/, produced with an open and lowered jaw position. The word "bob" is commonly used as a noun or verb, meaning a short and quick vertical movement or to move up and down rapidly.

BOB Meaning and Definition

  1. Bob is a versatile term which can serve various purposes depending on the context in which it is used. As a noun, bob refers to a short, quick, or jerky movement, typically up and down or from side to side. This includes the action of a person or animal bobbing their head or any object making such a motion. Additionally, bob can describe a short and abrupt curtsey or bow, usually performed as a gesture of greeting or respect.

    Furthermore, bob can function as a verb, meaning to make a quick, rhythmic movement up and down or from side to side. For instance, it can describe the movement of a buoy or a boat floating on the water's surface. In certain industries or activities, such as fly fishing, bobbing is to move an artificial bait or lure in an undulating manner on the surface of the water to attract fish.

    Moreover, bob can be used as a noun to represent a shortened or nickname version of the male given name Robert. This usage is often affectionate or casual. In this context, it can also be extended to refer to any generic or unknown male person.

    Lastly, the term bob can refer to a British slang phrase "on the bob," which means being without any money or being broke. It is derived from the phrase "bob-a-job," which historically represented a small paid task or chore.

    Overall, bob is a versatile term encompassing different meanings, encompassing movements, gestures, names, and slang.

  2. • A shilling.
    • Any small thing playing loosely at the end of a string; a knot of worms on a string used in fishing for eels; a blow.
    • To play loosely against anything; to mock; to dangle; to fish with a bob.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for BOB *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for BOB

Etymology of BOB

The word "bob" has multiple origins and can be traced back to different linguistic sources. Here are a few possibilities:

1. The noun "bob" meaning a short, quick movement or a quick up-and-down motion comes from Middle English "bobben", which means "to dance up and down" or "to bob".

2. The verb "bob" meaning to move lightly and quickly up and down, as in the movement of a cork on water, derives from Middle English "bobben", which also connects with the previous origin.

3. The noun "bob" meaning a short hairstyle typically cut above the shoulders is believed to come from the earlier word "bobbe" in Middle English, which meant a bunch or cluster. Over time, it started referring to a hairstyle that had a certain rounded or clustered appearance.

Idioms with the word BOB

  • Yes siree(, Bob)! The idiom "Yes siree (Bob)!" is an enthusiastic affirmation or agreement, often used to express strong agreement or certainty about something. It is a colloquial expression that adds emphasis to a statement, indicating full conviction or enthusiasm in response to a question or statement. The phrase "Bob" is often added as a friendly or informal way of addressing the person being spoken to, but it can also be used without the name.
  • bob up The idiom "bob up" means to suddenly appear or come into view unexpectedly or casually, often in a lighthearted or frivolous manner. It can also refer to reappearances, resurfacing, or occurrences without warning.
  • Two Bob The idiom "Two Bob" is slang and primarily used in British English. It refers to something or someone that is considered cheap, low-quality, or of little value. The phrase originates from the British currency system, where "bob" was a colloquial term for a shilling. The "two bob" idiom implies something worth only a small amount, or a person or object that lacks value or importance.
  • true as Bob (or God) The idiom "true as Bob (or God)" is often used to emphasize the sincerity, honesty, or veracity of a statement or assertion. It suggests that the thing being described is unquestionably accurate or trustworthy, comparable to the infallible truthfulness associated with the names "Bob" or "God."
  • bob and weave The idiom "bob and weave" originated from boxing and is used to describe a defensive technique where a boxer makes quick, elusive movements with their head and body to avoid being hit by their opponent's punches. In a broader context, "bob and weave" metaphorically refers to adapting or maneuvering skillfully to avoid obstacles or problems. It implies being agile and evasive in navigating challenges or difficult situations.
  • No siree(, Bob)! The idiom "No siree(, Bob)!" is an informal expression used to strongly and emphatically refuse or reject a proposition, idea, or statement. It is a way of saying "absolutely not" or "no way." The addition of "Bob" is often used for added emphasis, but it can be omitted as well.
  • be short of a bob or two The idiom "be short of a bob or two" is a colloquial expression that refers to someone lacking financial means or being financially unstable. It suggests that the person does not have enough money or is experiencing a shortage of funds. In British English, the term "bob" traditionally refers to a shilling, a former unit of currency.
  • not be short of a bob or two The idiom "not be short of a bob or two" means to have plenty of money or to be wealthy. It signifies that someone is not lacking financial resources and is comfortable in terms of their wealth or income.
  • be not short of a bob or two The idiom "be not short of a bob or two" typically means that someone is rich, wealthy, or well-off financially. It implies that the person in question has an abundance of money and is not lacking in financial resources.

Similar spelling words for BOB

Plural form of BOB is BOB

Conjugate verb Bob

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have bobbed
you would have bobbed
he/she/it would have bobbed
we would have bobbed
they would have bobbed
I would have bob
you would have bob
he/she/it would have bob
we would have bob
they would have bob

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been bobbing
you would have been bobbing
he/she/it would have been bobbing
we would have been bobbing
they would have been bobbing

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would bob
you would bob
he/she/it would bob
we would bob
they would bob

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be bobbing
you would be bobbing
he/she/it would be bobbing
we would be bobbing
they would be bobbing

FUTURE

I will bob
you will bob
he/she/it will bob
we will bob
they will bob

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be bobbing
you will be bobbing
he/she/it will be bobbing
we will be bobbing
they will be bobbing

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have bobbed
you will have bobbed
he/she/it will have bobbed
we will have bobbed
they will have bobbed

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been bobbing
you will have been bobbing
he/she/it will have been bobbing
we will have been bobbing
they will have been bobbing

IMPERATIVE

we Let's bob
you bob
we let´s bob

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to bob

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was bobbing
you were bobbing
he/she/it was bobbing
we were bobbing
they were bobbing

PAST PARTICIPLE

bobbed

PAST PERFECT

I had bobbed
you had bobbed
he/she/it had bobbed
we had bobbed
they had bobbed

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been bobbing
you had been bobbing
he/she/it had been bobbing
we had been bobbing
they had been bobbing

PRESENT

I bob
you bob
he/she/it bobs
we bob
they bob

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am bobbing
you are bobbing
he/she/it is bobbing
we are bobbing
they are bobbing

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

bobbing

PRESENT PERFECT

I have bobbed
you have bobbed
he/she/it has bobbed
we have bobbed
they have bobbed

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been bobbing
you have been bobbing
he/she/it has been bobbing
we have been bobbing
they have been bobbing

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it bob

SIMPLE PAST

I bobbed
you bobbed
he/she/it bobbed
we bobbed
they bobbed

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