HOBNOBBING Meaning and
Definition
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Hobnobbing is a verb that describes the act of socializing or mingling in a friendly and often informal manner, particularly with influential or important individuals. It typically involves engaging in lively and casual conversations with acquaintances, friends, or even new acquaintances in a social setting. The term is often used when referring to someone who frequently associates or socializes with people of prominence or high social status.
Etymologically, "hobnobbing" is believed to have originated from the phrase "to hab or nob," which dates back to the 16th century. "Hab" refers to the Middle English term "habben," meaning to have or hold, while "nob" refers to a companion, partner, or close friend. Over time, the phrase evolved and eventually merged into "hobnobbing," taking on a figurative sense of engaging in friendly and cordial interactions.
This word portrays the idea of being in close rapport with influential individuals and is often used to describe individuals who actively seek out and engage in networking opportunities to advance their personal or professional goals. It conveys an image of social ease and confidence in approaching and conversing with others, particularly those who hold power or prestige. Hobnobbing is commonly associated with social events, cocktail parties, galas, or similar gatherings where individuals actively network and build connections, and it emphasizes the informal, friendly nature of the interactions.
Common Misspellings for HOBNOBBING
Etymology of HOBNOBBING
The word "hobnobbing" originated in the late 18th century in Britain. Its etymology is uncertain, however, it is believed to be a combination of two different phrases.
The first possible origin is from the phrase "hab nab", which was used in the 16th century meaning "at random" or "hit or miss". This expression later evolved into "hab or nab", meaning "take it or leave it", suggesting a casual and indiscriminate approach to socializing.
The second possible origin is from the phrase "to drink hob and nob", which emerged in the 14th century. "Hob" referred to a toast of English ale or beer, while "nob" meant "to drink heartily" or "to drink excessively". This phrase denoted a convivial drinking custom in which people would alternately toast each other and drink together in a friendly and equal manner.
Conjugate verb Hobnobbing
CONDITIONAL
I
would hobnobbing
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would hobnobbing
he/she/it
would hobnobbing
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would hobnobbing
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would hobnobbing
I
would hobnob
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would hobnob
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would hobnob
he/she/it
would hobnob
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would hobnob
CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS
I
would be hobnobbing
you
would be hobnobbing
he/she/it
would be hobnobbing
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would be hobnobbing
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would be hobnobbing
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have hobnobbing
you
would have hobnobbing
he/she/it
would have hobnobbing
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would have hobnobbing
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would have hobnobbing
CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
would have been hobnobbing
you
would have been hobnobbing
he/she/it
would have been hobnobbing
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would have been hobnobbing
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would have been hobnobbing
FUTURE
I
will hobnob
you
will hobnob
he/she/it
will hobnob
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will hobnob
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will hobnob
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be hobnobbing
you
will be hobnobbing
he/she/it
will be hobnobbing
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will be hobnobbing
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will be hobnobbing
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have hobnobbed
you
will have hobnobbed
he/she/it
will have hobnobbed
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will have hobnobbed
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will have hobnobbed
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been hobnobbing
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will have been hobnobbing
he/she/it
will have been hobnobbing
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will have been hobnobbing
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will have been hobnobbing
IMPERATIVE
you
hobnob
we
let´s hobnob
to hobnob
PAST
I
hobnobbed
you
hobnobbed
he/she/it
hobnobbed
we
hobnobbed
they
hobnobbed
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was hobnobbing
you
were hobnobbing
he/she/it
was hobnobbing
we
were hobnobbing
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were hobnobbing
PAST PARTICIPLE
hobnobbed
PAST PERFECT
I
had hobnobbed
you
had hobnobbed
he/she/it
had hobnobbed
we
had hobnobbed
they
had hobnobbed
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been hobnobbing
you
had been hobnobbing
he/she/it
had been hobnobbing
we
had been hobnobbing
they
had been hobnobbing
PRESENT
I
hobnob
you
hobnob
he/she/it
hobnobs
we
hobnob
they
hobnob
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am hobnobbing
you
are hobnobbing
he/she/it
is hobnobbing
we
are hobnobbing
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are hobnobbing
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
hobnobbing
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have hobnobbed
you
have hobnobbed
he/she/it
has hobnobbed
we
have hobnobbed
they
have hobnobbed
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been hobnobbing
you
have been hobnobbing
he/she/it
has been hobnobbing
we
have been hobnobbing
they
have been hobnobbing
I
would have hobnobbed
we
would have hobnobbed
you
would have hobnobbed
he/she/it
would have hobnobbed
they
would have hobnobbed
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