How Do You Spell HOBNOB?

Pronunciation: [hˈɒbnɒb] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "hobnob" is perplexing, as it features two sets of letters that can be pronounced in different ways. In phonetic terms, the word can be transcribed as /hɒbnɒb/, representing the traditional British pronunciation. Alternatively, the American pronunciation is often depicted as /ˈhɑbˌnɑb/. Despite this, the word's origins can still be traced back to the Middle English phrase "habbe, habbe!" (meaning "have, have!"), suggesting that the word's unusual spelling may be a result of its evolution over time.

HOBNOB Meaning and Definition

  1. Hobnob, as a verb, refers to casually socializing, mingling, or fraternizing with others, especially with people of distinction, influence, importance, or in high society circles. It commonly implies an air of informality and camaraderie, where individuals interact and engage in friendly conversation without any pretenses or formal obligations.

    In a broader sense, hobnobbing can be seen as the act of associating or mixing closely with others, typically in a social or professional context, in order to establish connections, gain information, or simply enjoy the company of like-minded individuals. The term often connotes a relaxed and congenial atmosphere, where people come together to exchange ideas, share experiences, or seek advice.

    "Hobnob" can also be used metaphorically to describe an interaction between dissimilar entities, such as when two contrasting ideas, concepts, or elements come together in an unexpected or harmonious manner.

    As a noun, "hobnob" is used to denote an informal gathering or social event where people come together to hobnob. It can also refer to the act of hobnobbing itself.

    Overall, "hobnob" captures the essence of casual socializing and mixing with others, often in influential or distinguished circles, fostering shared experiences, connections, and the potential for enrichment through interpersonal exchange.

  2. At a social meeting, a friendly invitation to reciprocal drinking.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for HOBNOB

Etymology of HOBNOB

The word "hobnob" is of uncertain origin. It first appeared in the English language during the 16th century. There are a few theories about its etymology, but none are definitively proven.

One theory suggests that the word comes from the phrase "habnab", which was used in Middle English and meant "to have and not to have". This could be related to the notion of sharing or dividing something between two people.

Another theory suggests that "hobnob" comes from the phrase "Hab nab" or "Hob a nob", which was used as a drinking toast in the 16th century. It is believed that the phrase might have been used to mean "give and take", implying a communal or sharing aspect.

Idioms with the word HOBNOB

  • hobnob with sm or sth The idiom "hobnob with someone or something" means to associate or spend time with someone or something, often in a social or casual manner. It implies being in close proximity and engaging in friendly conversation, typically with people of influence or high social status.

Similar spelling words for HOBNOB

Conjugate verb Hobnob

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have hobnobbed
you would have hobnobbed
he/she/it would have hobnobbed
we would have hobnobbed
they would have hobnobbed
I would have hobnob
you would have hobnob
he/she/it would have hobnob
we would have hobnob
they would have hobnob

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been hobnobbing
you would have been hobnobbing
he/she/it would have been hobnobbing
we would have been hobnobbing
they would have been hobnobbing

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would hobnob
you would hobnob
he/she/it would hobnob
we would hobnob
they would hobnob

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be hobnobbing
you would be hobnobbing
he/she/it would be hobnobbing
we would be hobnobbing
they would be hobnobbing

FUTURE

I will hobnob
you will hobnob
he/she/it will hobnob
we will hobnob
they will hobnob

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be hobnobbing
you will be hobnobbing
he/she/it will be hobnobbing
we will be hobnobbing
they will be hobnobbing

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have hobnobbed
you will have hobnobbed
he/she/it will have hobnobbed
we will have hobnobbed
they will have hobnobbed

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been hobnobbing
you will have been hobnobbing
he/she/it will have been hobnobbing
we will have been hobnobbing
they will have been hobnobbing

IMPERATIVE

you hobnob
we let´s hobnob

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to hobnob

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was hobnobbing
you were hobnobbing
he/she/it was hobnobbing
we were hobnobbing
they were hobnobbing

PAST PARTICIPLE

hobnobbed

PAST PERFECT

I had hobnobbed
you had hobnobbed
he/she/it had hobnobbed
we had hobnobbed
they had hobnobbed

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been hobnobbing
you had been hobnobbing
he/she/it had been hobnobbing
we had been hobnobbing
they had been hobnobbing

PRESENT

I hobnob
you hobnob
he/she/it hobnobs
we hobnob
they hobnob

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am hobnobbing
you are hobnobbing
he/she/it is hobnobbing
we are hobnobbing
they are hobnobbing

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

hobnobbing

PRESENT PERFECT

I have hobnobbed
you have hobnobbed
he/she/it has hobnobbed
we have hobnobbed
they have hobnobbed

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been hobnobbing
you have been hobnobbing
he/she/it has been hobnobbing
we have been hobnobbing
they have been hobnobbing

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it hobnob

SIMPLE PAST

I hobnobbed
you hobnobbed
he/she/it hobnobbed
we hobnobbed
they hobnobbed

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