babu

noun3

1. •
   (India) Originally, a Hindu gentleman employed to work as a clerk for the colonial administration; now, a clerk or low-ranking government official.

   • Office babus are the real rulers of this country now. Our number's up. Best thing we can do is to shut up shop and let 'em stew in their own juice. — 1934
2. •
   (India, disapproving) an archetypical Indian bureaucrat, perceived as being corrupt, lazy or arrogant.

   • BBMP doesn’t have any elected representatives right now. So a babu has floated this tender to benefit his favourite businessmen. — 2025
3. •
   (India) A Hindu title of respect, equivalent to Mr., usually appended to the surname of a Hindu man.

   • I could see Kana-babu’s sweet-shop at the end of their lane with absolute clarity. — 1989