Definition

1. Verb:
   • To socialize or associate familiarly, especially with those of higher social status: "hobnob" describes the act of spending time with someone in a friendly, informal manner, often implying mixing with people considered important, influential, or of a higher class.

Examples of Usage

• Verb:
  • At the charity gala, she liked to hobnob with celebrities and politicians.
  • He hobnobs with the company's executives at every corporate event.
  • They were seen hobnobbing at the exclusive club.

Advanced Usage

• "to hobnob with": This is the most common construction, specifying the group or person one is associating with.
  • The young entrepreneur hoped to hobnob with potential investors at the conference.

Variants and Related Words

• Hobnobber (noun): A person who frequently socializes, especially with the rich or famous.
  • He gained a reputation as a relentless hobnobber.

Synonyms

• Socialize: To participate in social activities.
• Frub elbows with: To associate or mix with a particular group of people (often of high status).
• Consort: To associate or keep company with.
• Mingle: To move around and talk to people at a social event.

Antonyms

• Shun: To persistently avoid, ignore, or reject.
• Eschew: To deliberately avoid using; abstain from.
• Keep one's distance: To avoid becoming involved with someone or something.

Related Idioms/Phrases

• Rub shoulders with: Very similar in meaning to "hobnob with," meaning to meet and mix with a particular group, especially the rich or famous.
  • In his line of work, he often rubs shoulders with diplomats.

Verb

1. rub elbows with
   • He hobnobs with the best of society