hobnob
hobnob Lexical Profile
hobnob Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To mix socially or associate on familiar terms, especially with people of high social status or prominence.
"At the annual charity gala, aspiring filmmakers had the opportunity to hobnob with veteran studio executives."
To drink together in a friendly manner, taking turns to toast one another (archaic).
"In the old tavern, the merchants would sit by the hearth and hobnob over mugs of warm ale."
• noun
A friendly, informal chat or social gathering.
"The two colleagues enjoyed a brief hobnob in the hallway before the afternoon seminar began."
Word Origin & Etymology
Originated in the mid-18th century from the older tavern phrase 'hob or nob', used when two people drank to each other's health by alternating turns, ultimately derived from Middle English 'habben' (to have) and 'nabben' (not to have).