How Do You Spell SAHIBS?

Pronunciation: [sˈahɪbz] (IPA)

The word "sahibs" is a plural noun used to address or refer to European men in colonial India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The word is often pronounced as /sɑːhɪbz/ with stress on the first syllable. The spelling of the word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) symbols. The first syllable /sɑː/ is pronounced with a long vowel "ah" sound, while the second syllable /hɪbz/ is pronounced with a short vowel "ih" sound followed by a voiced "b" and a voiceless "z" sound.

SAHIBS Meaning and Definition

  1. Sahibs, primarily used in the Indian subcontinent, is a term derived from the Persian word "sahib" which translates to "master" or "lord." In historical contexts, sahibs referred to English or European imperialists, particularly those holding positions of authority during British colonial rule. This term was prevalent during the British Raj era (1858-1947) when British officials held significant power and authority in India.

    The term sahibs is often used with respect to acknowledge individuals of European descent, usually in positions of power or authority. It was primarily used by the Indian population to address or refer to the English rulers, government officials, army officers, or members of the British upper class. Sahibs were associated with wealth, privilege, and social superiority.

    The term has also come to be used more broadly to refer to individuals who demonstrate attributes of authority, influence, or sophistication within an Indian context. It can be used to address or describe individuals who possess high social standing, wealth, or mastery in a particular field.

    In contemporary usage, sahibs may sometimes carry a tone of irony or be viewed as a relic of a bygone era, as it reflects the historical power dynamics between the British colonizers and the colonized Indian population. However, it can still be used as a respectful form of address among certain communities or in certain contexts to acknowledge someone's status or position of influence.

Common Misspellings for SAHIBS

Etymology of SAHIBS

The word "sahibs" is derived from the Arabic word "sahib" (صاحِب), which means "companion" or "friend". It entered the English language through Hindi and Urdu, where it acquired the meaning of "master" or "lord". During the British colonial rule in South Asia, the term "sahib" was commonly used as an honorific title for European men, especially those in positions of authority. It was later pluralized as "sahibs" to refer to multiple individuals. The term has historical associations with the British Raj and the social hierarchy of that time.

Similar spelling words for SAHIBS

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