Definition of "babu" in English

noun

1. (Hinglish, North India) A Hindu title of respect, equivalent to Mr., usually appended to the surname of a Hindu man.

2. (derogatory, chiefly social media) an archetypical Indian bureaucrat, perceived as being corrupt, lazy or arrogant.

3. (historical) Originally, a Hindu gentleman employed to work as a clerk for the colonial administration; now, a clerk or low-ranking government official.