sahib

Where does the word "sahib" come from? It comes from Arabic sahib, passing through Hindi/Urdu before entering English (1670s).

Sahib’s story begins in Arabic: sahib meant “friend, master.” From sahiba, "he accompanied"; originally meant "friend, companion," later "master". By 1500s, the word had taken hold in Hindi/Urdu as sahib. Arabic 'companion, owner'; Indians used it to address British officials. It reached English by 1670s as sahib. Used in colonial India as a respectful title for Europeans. Today, sahib means a respectful title or form of address, historically used in South Asia for a man of authority or status.

1. Stage 1 · Arabic · medieval sahib "friend, master", from sahiba, "he accompanied"; originally meant "friend, companion," later "master".
2. Stage 2 · Hindi/Urdu · 1500s sahib "master, lord", Arabic 'companion, owner'; Indians used it to address British officials.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1670s sahib "sir, gentleman", used in colonial India as a respectful title for Europeans.