nibs
English edit
Pronunciation edit
Audio (AU) (file)
Etymology 1 edit
See nib.
Noun edit
nibs
Etymology 2 edit
This etymology is incomplete. You can help Wiktionary by elaborating on the origins of this term.
Noun edit
nibs (plural nibs)
- (slang, UK, after possessive pronoun) An important or self-important person.
- 1919, Robert Nichols, “The Secret”, in The Century, page 734:
- Vera, you are a gleam of brilliant modernity in our dim old cave of antiques — and their nibs, our ancestors." Peter waved disrespectfully to the portrait
- 1920, Oreola Williams Haskell with Ida Husted Harper, Banner bearers: tales of the suffrage campaigns, page 345:
- Betsey Reed, Her Nibs, was just as witty and quaint as usual, sitting in state in her wheel chair and dominating everything and everybody.
- 1983 June 5, “OFFSTAGE”, in Chicago Tribune:
- You may also know that, during intermission, Paul and Linda were summoned to a room behind the royal box for a private chat with her nibs.
- 2004, Michael Arnold, A game with dice, page 59:
- "Your Nibs," I panted, "I am sent by the machine gunner man to tell you that ... "Please don't call me Your Nibs, and knock before you come in next time,
- (slang, UK, dated, 19th century, after possessive pronoun) Self.
- (cribbage) a jack turned up by the dealer. (see also nob)
- Two for his nibs.