mobe: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Extremely rare / ObsoleteArchaic slang
Quick answer
What does “mobe” mean?
(UK slang, archaic) To make fun of, mock, or tease someone.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
(UK slang, archaic) To make fun of, mock, or tease someone.
A slang term, originating from late 19th/early 20th century British public schools and military, for playful or malicious teasing; to gather in a group to ridicule someone (related to the idea of a mob).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word originates and was exclusively used in British contexts (public schools, military slang). There is no evidence of significant historical use in American English.
Connotations
In its original context, it could range from light-hearted ribbing to more serious, potentially cruel, group bullying.
Frequency
Not used in contemporary British English. Its use would be considered highly archaic and likely unrecognizable to most speakers.
Grammar
How to Use “mobe” in a Sentence
to mobe someoneExamples
Examples of “mobe” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The older boys would often mobe the new pupils for their accents.
- Stop mobing him about his new haircut.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Only in historical linguistic studies of slang.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mobe”
- Assuming it is a modern word or a misspelling of 'mobile'. Using it in contemporary speech would cause confusion.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Mobe' is a historical slang verb meaning to mock, derived from the noun 'mob'. It has no etymological connection to 'mobile'.
No. It is an obsolete term and would not be understood. Use modern synonyms like 'tease', 'mock', or 'rib' instead.
Yes, it is documented in historical dictionaries and accounts of English slang, primarily from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. However, it is not part of the modern lexicon.
It is a transitive verb (e.g., to mobe someone).
(UK slang, archaic) To make fun of, mock, or tease someone.
Mobe is usually archaic slang in register.
Mobe: in British English it is pronounced /məʊb/, and in American English it is pronounced /moʊb/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
"The MOB gathered to E-rade (mock) him." (MOB + E = mobe).
Conceptual Metaphor
GROUP ACTIVITY IS MOCKERY (the mob embodies the act of teasing).
Practice
Quiz
In which context was the word 'mobe' historically used?