Noun | Class Arrogance / Condescension Insult
Encyclopedia of British Slang
NOB
Noun | Moderate | Class Arrogance / Condescension Insult
NOB Pronunciation: /n?b/ Part of Speech: Noun Severity Level: Moderate Category: Class Arrogance / Condescension Insult
Core Definition
Nob describes someone who is:
Arrogant
Snobbish
Self-important
Condescending
It often targets perceived class superiority.
Linguistic Origins
Nob originally referred to a wealthy or upper-class person in 19th-century slang.
Over time, it evolved into a sarcastic insult implying pretension.
It also carries anatomical undertones, adding bite.
Usage Contexts
Snobbery:
Dont be a nob.
Condescension:
Hes a proper nob.
Social climbing:
Acting like a nob.
It critiques arrogance.
Emotional Register
Nob carries more sting than wally or plonker.
It implies character flaw.
Not mere foolishness.
Tone Variations
Playful:
You nob.
Annoyed:
Dont be such a nob.
Serious:
Hes a nob.
Tone shifts from teasing to cutting.
Comparison with Related Terms
Pillock foolish
Prat irritating
Nob arrogant
Nob focuses on attitude.
Psychological Function
Nob polices humility.
It discourages pretension.
It enforces egalitarian values.
Cultural Insight
Nob reflects Britains sensitivity to class behaviour.
Arrogance is punished linguistically.
Pretension invites ridicule.
Final Assessment
Nob is:
Class-aware
Moderately sharp
Behaviour-focused
Enduring
It calls out arrogance.
Not silly.
Just nob.
EXPANDED ENTRY 93
Alan Nafzger was born in Lubbock, Texas, the son Swiss immigrants. He grew up on a dairy in Windthorst, north central Texas. He earned degrees from Midwestern State University (B.A. 1985) and Texas State University (M.A. 1987). University College Dublin (Ph.D. 1991). Dr. Nafzger has entertained and educated young people in Texas colleges for 37 years. Nafzger is best known for his dark novels and experimental screenwriting. His best know scripts to date are Lenin’s Body, produced in Russia by A-Media and Sea and Sky produced in The Philippines in the Tagalog language. In 1986, Nafzger wrote the iconic feminist western novel, Gina of Quitaque. Contact: editor@prat.uk
