Nabob

[ainitatyb]

What was the origin of the word 'Nabob' in relation to bookies and their runners in the 1950's and 1960's?

[Octavius]

Nabob would identify a wealthy person?

[Quizmonster]

As O says above, a 'nabob' was a rich man - particularly one who gained his wealth in India - based on the fact that the word was a version of 'nawab', the title for a Governor in India. Bookies, of course, are always thought to be wealthy, as we see in claims such as "You never see a bookie on a bike."
The Prix du Nabob was the name of a major horse-race in France in the late 19th century which could be another possible connection.
I wonder, though, whether there may be an element of 'naybob' in there...ie someone who refuses (says nay)...as bookies are notoriously reluctant to accept some bets.
There might even be a joke on the notion of 'neighbob', given the horse-connection!

[ainitatyb]

Interesting answers thanks. I have also had it suggested that the term may come from the phrase na - bob meaning no shilling (bob) indicating that the person betting was unable to place the bet (which would have been one shilling). Are there any other suggestions?

[arty7774]

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/nabob

which says:-

1. A governor in India under the Mogul Empire. Also called nawab.
2. A person of wealth and prominence.