The term babu when used in modern-day South Asia is used as a sign of respect towards men, equivalent to the English "Sir". The honorific "ji" is sometimes added as a suffix to create the double honorific Babuji. In northern and eastern parts of India, "babuji" is a term of respect for one's father. It can also be used as a term of respect for any respected elder or man. In some Indian states, "babu" is also used as a generic word of respect to address men, especially unknown ones, e.g., "Babu, can you help me ?" In Bengali, "babu" is used as suffix to a person's name to show respect while calling him by name, e.g., "Sudarshan-babu, could you please come here!" "Babu" may also be used as a term of endearment, used to affectionately address younger boys. In this context, babu or baba may mean son. Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... Wiktionary (a portmanteau of wiki and dictionary) is a multilingual, Web-based project to create a free content dictionary, available in over 150 languages. ... Map of South Asia (see note on Kashmir). ... The English language is a West Germanic language that originates in England. ... Look up sir in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Bengali or Bangla (IPA: ) is an Indo-Aryan language of the eastern Indian subcontinent, evolved from the Magadhi Prakrit, Pāli and Sanskrit languages. ... A son is a male offspring; a boy, man, or male animal in relation to either or both of his parents. ...

In British India, "Babu" was a term used to describe a native Indian clerk. The word was originally used as a term of respect attached to a proper name, but later, especially when used alone and not as a suffix, was a derogatory word signifying a semi-literate native, with a mere veneer of modern education. In the early 20th century the term Babu was frequently used to refer to bureaucrats and other government officials, especially by the Indian media; in this sense the word hints at corrupt or lazy work practices. It can also mean the pimp or client of a sex worker. The term babu has thus fallen out of favour in polite society, since it may be taken as an insult. Anthem God Save The Queen/King British India, circa 1860 Capital Calcutta (1858-1912), New Delhi (1912-1947) Language(s) Hindi, Urdu, English and many others Government Monarchy Emperor of India  - 1877-1901 Victoria  - 1901-1910 Edward VII  - 1910-1936 George V  - January-December 1936 Edward VIII  - 1936-1947 George... Work ethic is a set of values based on the moral virtues of hard work and diligence. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... A sex worker in Germany A sex worker is a person who earns money by providing sexual services. ...

In Indian languages, the term "babu" may be suffixed to a person's name, but the term "babuji" is always used by itself.

See also

• Sahib
• Effendi
• Babuji and Babu