fob
C1neutral, technical (for keyless entry device)
Definition
Meaning
A small pocket or ornament attached to a watch chain or keyring.
To give someone a fake or inferior substitute; to deceive. Also, a device for keyless entry (FOB).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word has three distinct meanings with very different etymologies. The watch/ornament meaning is archaic/antique. The 'deceive' meaning is now primarily encountered in the phrase 'fob off'. The keyless entry meaning is modern and technical.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The phrase 'fob off' (to give a deceptive excuse) is more common in British English. 'Key fob' for a physical keyring tag is standard in both, but 'fob' for a car/keyless entry device is dominant in American English.
Connotations
In British usage, 'fob off' can imply being treated dismissively. In American usage, 'fob' primarily connotes technology and convenience.
Frequency
'Fob' is low-frequency in both. The 'key fob' sense is growing in AmE; 'fob off' remains a niche phrase primarily in BrE.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[verb] to fob someone off with something[noun] a fob for the carVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “fob off on someone”
- “to fob someone off with an excuse”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in context of selling inferior goods ('fob off cheap goods').
Academic
Mostly historical contexts for watch fobs; literary analysis for 'deceive' meaning.
Everyday
Almost exclusively for electronic 'key fob' (AmE) or the phrase 'fob off' (BrE).
Technical
Device used for RFID/keyless entry systems.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The manager tried to fob us off with a vague promise of a future discount.
American English
- Don't let them fob you off with an outdated model.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial use).
American English
- (No standard adverbial use).
adjective
British English
- (Not standard as adjective; used in compounds like 'fob watch').
American English
- (Not standard as adjective; used in compounds like 'fob key').
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I lost the fob for my car key.
- He wears an old pocket watch with a silver fob.
- The company tried to fob off its customers by blaming shipping delays.
- The new security system uses encrypted fobs instead of traditional keys for access.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a FOB (Friend Of Bob) trying to give you a fake Rolex watch. Bob's friend is trying to FOB you off with a forgery.
Conceptual Metaphor
TRANSFER OF BURDEN IS GIVING A WORTHLESS OBJECT (He fobbed the boring work off on me).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'ложь' (lie). 'Fob off' означает отделаться, отмахнуться, а не просто солгать.
- "Key fob" не переводится как 'ключ', а как 'брелок' или 'электронный ключ-таблетка'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'fob' as a standalone verb without 'off' (Incorrect: 'He fobbed me.' Correct: 'He fobbed me off.')
- Confusing 'fob' (n.) with 'fab' (adj.).
Practice
Quiz
In modern American English, what is the most common meaning of 'fob'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's a low-frequency word. Its most common modern use is in the compound 'key fob'.
It means to deceive someone by giving them something inferior or an excuse instead of what they want.
No, they have different historical origins. They are homonyms—different words that happen to be spelled and pronounced the same.
Yes, but the noun form ('key fob') is more common today. The verb is almost always used in the phrasal verb 'fob off'.