nob
LowInformal, slang
Definition
Meaning
A person of wealth or high social position (slang, chiefly British).
Can also refer to the head (slang, chiefly British), or in cribbage, the jack of the same suit as the starter card, scoring one point.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a term for a person, it is often used pejoratively or mockingly. The 'head' meaning is dated. The cribbage term is technical within the game.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The slang for a rich/snobbish person is primarily British. The 'head' meaning is also chiefly British. The cribbage term is used in both varieties.
Connotations
In UK, often implies snobbery or undeserved privilege. In US, it is rarely used and would likely be misunderstood or seen as a very British term.
Frequency
Very infrequent in American English outside of cribbage contexts. Low-to-medium frequency in certain British contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
He's a bit of a nob.The nobs in their big houses.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “nobs and yobs (contrasting social groups)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in informal, derogatory reference to a senior executive perceived as aloof.
Academic
Virtually never used.
Everyday
Informal British slang, used humorously or critically.
Technical
Specific, non-slang meaning in cribbage.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He was nobbed by the referee. (slang: hit on the head)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He talks like a real nob.
- The party was full of city nobs drinking champagne.
- Despite his wealth, he avoided acting like a nob and remained down-to-earth.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
NOB rhymes with 'snob' and often means a similar kind of person.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL STATUS IS HEIGHT (the 'head' meaning may contribute to this).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'нобель' (Nobel).
- Not related to 'noble' in direct translation, though conceptually similar.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in formal writing.
- Assuming Americans will understand the 'person' meaning.
- Confusing it with 'knob' (though related etymologically).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is 'nob' most commonly used as slang for a rich, snobbish person?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is informal and can be derogatory, but it is not generally considered a strong swear word.
'Knob' primarily means a round handle. 'Nob' refers to a person or a head. In UK slang, 'knob' can also be a vulgar term for a penis, making it more offensive.
No, it is informal slang and inappropriate for academic or formal writing.
Rarely, except in the context of the card game cribbage. The slang meanings are predominantly British.