Hobson Jobson: The Anglo-Indian Dictionary

by Henry Yule, A.C. Burnell

Bungalow, pyjamas, tiffin, rickshaw, veranda, curry, cheroot, chintz, calico, gingham, mango, junk and catamaran are all words which have crept into the English language from the days of Britain's colonial rule of the Indian sub-continent and the Malaysian Peninsular. Hobson-Jobson (derived from the Islamic cry at the celebration of Muhurram 'Ya Hasan, ya Hosain' is shorthand for the assimilation of foreign words to the sound pattern of the adopting language. This dictionary, compiled in the late-19th century, is an invaluable source which has never been superseded. It is an essential book for all who are interested in English etymology and the development of the language.

Genres: India, Nonfiction, Reference, Linguistics, Language, History, Asia

472 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1886

About the author

Sir Henry Yule was a Scottish Orientalist.

He was born at Inveresk, Scotland, near Edinburgh, the son of Major William Yule (1764-1839), translator of the Apothegms of Ali. Henry Yule was educated at Edinburgh, Addiscombe and Chatham, and joined the Bengal Engineers in 1840. He served in both the Sikh wars, was secretary to Colonel (afterwards Sir) Arthur Phayre's mission to Ava (1855), and wrote his Narrative of the Mission to the Court of Ava (1858).

Reviews

[Wolf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Publishers used to think that etymology was a dry dusty and academic subject until books by writers such as Michael Quinion showed that there was a real appetite for finding the true origins of the words and phrases we used - unthinkingly - everyday. Doubtless inspired by the success of his books and others of a similar ilk, 'Hobson Jobson' is the republication of a Victorian dictionary of words from India, Asia and the East.

The book is densely packed with words and their meanings and how these have changed over time. Some are fascinating. The phrase 'a muck' (as in "to run amok") has a convoluted history: it is traced to Malaya and to Malabar. It appears to derive either from a bizarre form of suicidal rage or refer to a caste of shaven headed berserk warriors. The entry gives lengthy quotations showing the history of the use of the word in English (and at times other european languages); these themselves take up a few pages of closely typed text.

Its use of very extensive quotations to trace the use of a word make this a very comprehensive guide. On the other hand, it also tends to make the book less attractive to the general reader and more a work for scholars and academics. The joy of a writer such as Quinion is that his books are both entertaining and informative. Here the interest only really lies in the content. Whilst I might find an entry describing a word I know and am interested in enjoyable to read, I did not find myself drawn to read other entries in the way that a more engaging text might lead you to.

A linked problem is that, whilst some of the words may have been in use in 1886, when first published, they have dropped out of common usage now. In the UK few would use the word 'Hing' to describe the spice Asafoetida. It takes some effort to work out that that is what the entry is even about.

The title 'Hobson Jobson' comes from another term covered here but now sadly out of use - the name of "a native festal excitement". It comes from the misheard rendering of the cry 'Ya Hassan! Ya Hosain!', apparently, which would have been accompanied by the chanters beating on their chests and a great procession. It sounds enormous fun. Sadly, this book, whilst not without enjoyment, will not be greeted by many quite so enthusiastically.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a classic. Essential reading for those keen to explore the social history of British India.

[Vijay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting nuggets of information

[Adarsh Mishra · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome awesome, must read book- if you want to learn about the interchange between Europeans and Indians during 16-18th century; through the lens of etymology; and how European customs /traditions as well as their interpretation of Indian counterparts led to formation of some of the well known words.

A study in Indian history as much as it is in Hindi & English etymology (esp. folk etymology)

Best of all- its a free book :) -- a cultural treasure.

[Nina Furstenau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the topic, the history, the depth, and the love of India apparent in this book. Excellent reference for all things colonial, and also for those interested in the history of the subcontinent.

[Richard Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Certainly a unique classic.

[Annie]

I'll be 'currently reading' this one for years to come!!