NABOB Meaning and
Definition
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Nabob is a noun that refers to a person of great wealth, power, or influence, particularly in an Eastern or Asian context, often associated with India. The term originates from the Hindustani word "nawab," meaning a provincial governor or ruler who held significant authority during the Mughal Empire.
The term "nabob" gained popularity in the English language during the British colonial era when Western traders, administrators, and military personnel encountered Indian rulers who possessed immense wealth and privilege. In European societies, "nabob" generally refers to someone who has amassed great wealth, often through exploitation, in colonial territories or distant lands.
Nabobs were usually individuals who benefitted from the lucrative trade of goods like spices, silks, and precious metals between the East and the West. They were perceived as noblemen or people of high social status due to their immense wealth and influence. Nabobs were known for their extravagant lifestyles, lavish spending, and opulent residences, all of which reinforced their reputation as figures of immense wealth and luxury.
In contemporary usage, the term "nabob" can still be employed metaphorically to describe someone who possesses substantial wealth, often acquired through questionable means, and lives an extravagant, ostentatious lifestyle. It can also be used more broadly to allude to individuals with significant power or influence in various domains, including politics, business, or the arts.
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A native Indian deputy or governor-often independent; any European who has amassed wealth in the East.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for NABOB
Etymology of NABOB
The word "nabob" has an interesting etymology that can be traced back to the Arabic language. Initially, the term "nawwāb" (singular: nawwāb, plural: nawāb) was used in India during the Mughal era to refer to a provincial governor or ruler. The Arabic word "nawwāb" itself comes from the Persian "nawāb", meaning "a governor".
During the British colonial period in India, particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries, the British East India Company amassed significant wealth and influence in the region. As a result, many of the company's employees and officials, who became incredibly rich, were referred to as "nawwābs".
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