hobnob: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Informal, slightly old-fashioned or literary.
Quick answer
What does “hobnob” mean?
To socialize, associate, or spend time with someone in a friendly, familiar way, especially with those of a perceived higher social status.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To socialize, associate, or spend time with someone in a friendly, familiar way, especially with those of a perceived higher social status.
To drink or take refreshments together; to mix socially and familiarly.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slightly more common in British English, though understood in American English. In British English, retains stronger connotations of social mixing across classes.
Connotations
UK: Often implies informal socializing, potentially with a hint of social ambition. US: Connotes casual, friendly interaction, less tied to class.
Frequency
Infrequent in both, but marginally higher in UK English. Has a quaint or slightly humorous tone in contemporary use.
Grammar
How to Use “hobnob” in a Sentence
[Subject] hobnobs with [Object (person/group)][Subject] is hobnobbing[Subject] hobnobbed at/on/in [Location]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hobnob” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He's always hobnobbing with the lords and ladies at Henley.
- They spent the interval hobnobbing in the theatre bar.
American English
- Politicians were hobnobbing with donors at the fundraiser.
- I saw her hobnobbing with the tech CEOs at the conference.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could describe informal networking at corporate events: 'Executives hobnobbed with investors.'
Academic
Very rare. Might appear in historical/social texts describing class interaction.
Everyday
Occasional, often with a playful or ironic tone: 'She spent the evening hobnobbing with the celebrities.'
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hobnob”
- Using it transitively without 'with' (e.g., 'He hobnobs the elite' – INCORRECT).
- Confusing it with 'hobnob' as a noun (a type of biscuit/cookie in UK).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is informal and can sound slightly old-fashioned or humorous.
It can have a mildly negative connotation of social climbing or insincerity, but is often used neutrally or playfully.
'Network' is more modern and neutral, focused on professional connections. 'Hobnob' is more social, informal, and can imply enjoyment or personal ambition.
It originates from early modern English 'hab nab', meaning 'have or have not', used in drinking toasts ('to drink hob or nob'), meaning 'to drink to each other in turns'.
To socialize, associate, or spend time with someone in a friendly, familiar way, especially with those of a perceived higher social status.
Hobnob: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɒbnɒb/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɑːbnɑːb/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Rub elbows with (US equivalent in social contexts).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a HOBbit and a KNOB (a round handle) having a drink together. The hobbit is hobnobbing with the fancy doorknob from a upper-class mansion.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL INTERACTION IS SHARING DRINKS (from original etymology).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common connotation of 'hobnob'?