rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryhobnobSocializing familiarly
verb

hobnob

HAHB-nahb/ˈhɑːbnɑːb/

To socialize familiarly, especially with influential people.

She hobnobs with the civic dignitary at the reception.

At a relaxed reception, an older woman chats and laughs with an older male civic dignitary wearing a ceremonial chain of office.
Etymology
hobnobEnglishtoast each other by turns

“Hob and nob” meant to toast one another by turns or buy alternate rounds of drinks. This reciprocal drinking developed into the broader meaning of socializing, now especially with influential people.

More examples

  • She was hobnobbing with local officials at the reception.
  • They hobnobbed with the festival's best-known guests.
  • The club offered a chance to hobnob with influential people.

Forms

hobnob · hobnobs · hobnobbed · hobnobbing

Similar words

socialize
Socialize is general; hobnob suggests easy familiarity, often with notable people.
network
Network emphasizes building useful contacts; hobnob emphasizes familiar social interaction.