In
British India, "Babu" was a term used to describe a native
Indian clerk. The word was originally used as a term of respect attached to a proper name, but later, especially when used alone and not as a suffix, was a derogatory word signifying a semi-literate native, with a mere veneer of modern education. In the early 20th century the term Babu was frequently used to refer to bureaucrats and other government officials, especially by the Indian media;
in this sense the word hints at corrupt or lazy work practices. It can also mean the
pimp or client of a
sex worker. The term
babu has thus fallen out of favour in polite society, since it may be taken as an insult.