sahib

sahib, master, boss

noun sa-IB Rare

Origin: From Arabic/Urdu 'sahib' (companion, master), carried into French via colonial contexts.

Usage Note

Sahib entered French during the colonial era and is now used either historically, in literature evoking British India, or ironically to address someone acting like a superior. It carries a dated or mock-respectful tone. The feminine form memsahib is occasionally encountered in the same colonial contexts.

Examples

"Oui, sahib, comme vous voulez."

Natural Translation

Yes, master, as you wish.

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