nabob

/'neibɔb/
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nabob

A wealthy nabob admires his collection of fine jewels.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A wealthy man, especially one who made his fortune in the Orient: Historically, a "nabob" referred to a European who returned from India or another Eastern country with a great fortune, often implying ostentatious wealth.
    • A governor in India during the Mogul empire: In historical contexts, a "nabob" was a provincial governor or deputy in the Mughal Empire in India.
Examples of Usage

  • Noun (Wealthy man):

    • The 18th-century "nabob" returned to England and built a vast estate with his Indian riches.
    • His lavish spending earned him the nickname "the nabob" among his more frugal peers.

  • Noun (Historical governor):

    • The local nabob ruled the province under the authority of the Mughal emperor.
    • Historical accounts describe the power and influence wielded by these regional nabobs.
Advanced Usage

  • "Nabob" as a term of social commentary: The word is often used critically or ironically to describe someone perceived as having acquired wealth in a dubious or colonial context, leading to a flashy, arrogant lifestyle.

    • Critics dismissed the new industrialists as vulgar nabobs, lacking the grace of old money.

  • "Nabob" in modern figurative use: It can be used, though less commonly, to describe any very rich and powerful person, often with a hint of criticism for their perceived arrogance or influence.

    • The media tycoon was seen as a modern-day nabob, wielding immense political power.
Variants and Related Words
  • Nabobess (n, archaic): A female nabob; the wife of a nabob.
  • Nabobery / Nabobry (n, archaic): The state or conduct of a nabob; collectively, nabobs.
Synonyms
  • Magnate: A wealthy and influential person, especially in business.
  • Tycoon: A person of great wealth and power in a particular industry.
  • Mogul: A powerful person, often in a specific field (originally referring to a Mongol ruler, later influenced by the similar sound to "Mughal").
Related Idioms and Phrases
  • "Nabob of...": Sometimes used humorously or critically in titles to denote someone who acts as an authority or holds great sway in a particular, often trivial, area.
    • He appointed himself the nabob of office coffee supplies, dictating the brew each day.
nabob

A wealthy nabob admires his collection of fine jewels.

Noun
  1. a wealthy man (especially one who made his fortune in the Orient)
  2. a governor in India during the Mogul empire

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