hobnob etymology

Etymology

The word "hobnob" is believed to have originated from the early 17th century. It is a combination of two Middle English words:

• "hob" meaning "rustic" or "commoner"
• "nob" meaning "social elite" or "aristocracy"

Meaning

"Hobnob" means to socialize or associate with people of different social classes or backgrounds. It implies a friendly and casual interaction, often used in the context of social gatherings, parties, or networking events.

Origin

The origin of "hobnob" is somewhat unclear, but there are a few theories:

• Socio-Political Comparison: It is suggested that the word reflects the social hierarchy of the time, where "hobs" (commoners) and "nobs" (aristocrats) rarely interacted socially. "Hobnobbing" thus described the unusual situation of people from different social strata mingling.
• Rhyming Slang: Another theory is that "hobnob" originated from a rhyming slang expression. In the early 19th century, "nob" was slang for "head." Therefore, "hobnob" could have been a humorous way of referring to "heads together," implying people talking or associating closely.
• Alternative Pronunciation: Some linguists believe that "hobnob" may have originally been "habnab," which means "at random." Over time, the pronunciation gradually shifted to "hobnob."

Regardless of its exact origin, "hobnob" has become a widely accepted term for social interactions across social boundaries, conveying a sense of conviviality and easygoing companionship.

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