Bubba

Posted by Bob on February 19, 2002

In Reply to: Bubba posted by Word Camel on February 19, 2002

: : Could anyone help my out with the origin of the word 'Bubba' (American) and what it eaxctly means or under what circumstances is it used.

: Bubba is a variation of the word "bub" which means brother. Bubba is used in the American South where it's used as a familiar form of address. "Hey, bubba, how are you today?". In my experience, it was often used as a term of affection for an older man.

: It's also used by people from the North to refer to Southern men in a derogatory way, "They were just a bunch of bubbas.", meaning they were backwards, parochial, poorly educated and probably racist. When used like this, the meaning is close to "good ole boy."

: Maybe ESC and some of the other Southerners here can help with this.

: Camel

It will probably take a Texan to give the definitive word: Texans like to think of it as their own word, an exemplar of Texas culture. I'm sure Molly Ivans has an essay or two on the subject.

• Bubba ESC 02/19/02
  • Now that's a whole 'nother kettle of fish Word Camel 02/19/02
    • Renaissance men R. Berg 02/19/02
      • Renaissance men Ms. ESC 02/19/02
        • Shamed again Word Camel 02/19/02
          • The spelling gods are laughing Wrod Camel 02/19/02