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Joined: Apr 2003
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stranger
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OP
stranger
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 19 |
anyone familiar with the phrase "his nibs"? is it always pejorative, implying self-importance? m-w suggests it's an alteration of the british "nob" ~ is 'nob' in common use? and is 'nob' a somewhat catachretic (or at least equivocal) metonymic referral to 'head'?
ps: i'd've thought 'hobnob' would be rooted in 'nob' as a superior, but m-w says hob nob means 'have not'. it seems sorta contronymic, that nob would come to mean something opposite of 'have not'.
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Joined: Dec 2000
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Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Dec 2000
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Whether it is now I couldn't say. It was not always. Her Nibs, Miss Georgia Gibbs would not have considered it perjorative. http://www.seniorwomen.com/articlesDavidTransit.html
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Joined: Jan 2001
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Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Jan 2001
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When I was in my early teens, I played many games of cribbage with my favorite uncle. His Nibs referred to a Jack, of a particular suit, how determined I forget, but he was worth extra points. I have the impression that most other uses of the phrase are adaptations from this.
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Joined: Aug 2002
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Pooh-Bah
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Pooh-Bah
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,154 |
When we play cribbage "one for his nibs" is the extra point you get for having a jack in your hand which is the same suit as the card turned up at the start of play. "Two for his nob" (or sometimes "two for his nibs") is the two points you get for being the one to turn up a jack.
It also refers to anyone who who is getting or demanding special treatment - whether they deserve it or not.
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Joined: Apr 2000
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Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Apr 2000
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His nibs. Mildly disrespectful term for the boss. I don't think I've ever used nob.
Bingley
Bingley
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Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
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Many American cities (e.g. San Francisco, Portland, Seattle) have neighbourhoods called "Nob Hill." One source says that such areas are so named from the British "nob" used as a term of derision for ostentatious wealthy people. Another says the name derives from "nabob" meaning a person of wealth or importance.
In the ancient world, temples were built atop hills. In the modern world, people who can afford the view property live on such heights. No wonder this term connecting locale with wealth is popular.
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Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
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In the modern world, people who can afford the view property live on such heights.
Been to Rio lately?
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Joined: Sep 2000
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Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
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Your point is well taken. The paper-shack poverty which surrounds the flashy city of Rio de Janiero is an exception to the point I made. I think it remains true, however, that view property costs more, is more desireable and is the roosting place for many wealthy people ... in most cities.
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Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
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Like many expressions I think it's the intonation and mayhap© the circumstances that indicate whichever fine shade of meaning is meant.
His Nibs re the Boss could be perjorative but His Nibs about Dad wanting a cup of tea would be meant with affection. Perhaps?
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Joined: Aug 2002
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Pooh-Bah
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Pooh-Bah
Joined: Aug 2002
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Compliment or insult - whatever you say it is all in the tone of voice and the twinkle or dagger of the eye. 
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