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To wonder why nob not knob?

15 replies

Gingerdancedbackwards · 19/07/2024 07:39

Exactly that. Many here write nob instead of knob?
Nob refers to nobility: diminuation
Knob is the idiot/fool/penis spelling

OP posts:
BingoMarieHeeler · 19/07/2024 07:40

I write knob. Nob kind of more onomatopoeic though to be fair. It’s silly, like a nob. But I can’t bring myself to do it. Maybe I am the knob!

Thewholeplaceispickled · 19/07/2024 08:04

I’ve always written it as knob and thought most people did.
Maybe it’s my age, I’m 51 and had never noticed it referred to a nob until recently.

SeeSeeRider · 19/07/2024 08:09

Diminuation? Is that even a word in modern English? I'm used to thinking that a 'nob' means the same as 'toff'; it's a derisory term for a very posh person. 'Knob' can mean 'a round lump on the surface or end of something', so referring to the end of a penis (like 'bell-end', a term I hate!). The penis being a term of ridicule for a bloke, like prick, dick, etc.

PussGirl · 19/07/2024 08:14

Agree nob is posh. Knob is the rest including door knob.

Moonmelodies · 19/07/2024 08:14

gnob?

Thepeopleversuswork · 19/07/2024 08:16

I write nob for cock, knob for a door handle.

I don’t think it matters though. It’s not as if it’s in the Oxford English Dictionary.

ReframeFeelings · 19/07/2024 08:20

Thepeopleversuswork · 19/07/2024 08:16

I write nob for cock, knob for a door handle.

I don’t think it matters though. It’s not as if it’s in the Oxford English Dictionary.

...and yet "knob-jockey" is.

athosporthos · 19/07/2024 08:22

Thepeopleversuswork · 19/07/2024 08:16

I write nob for cock, knob for a door handle.

I don’t think it matters though. It’s not as if it’s in the Oxford English Dictionary.

Me too. I feel that knob isn't as visually offensive as nob. I have no logic behind this Grin

Thepeopleversuswork · 19/07/2024 08:30

@ReframeFeelings

Seriously? 😂

Cornettoninja · 19/07/2024 08:35

I use ‘knob’. ‘Nob’ just reads wrong to me and distracts from the insult I’m trying to convey…

mydogisthebest · 19/07/2024 09:31

It should be "knob" but it seems many don't know that

Gingerdancedbackwards · 19/07/2024 09:31

SeeSeeRider · 19/07/2024 08:09

Diminuation? Is that even a word in modern English? I'm used to thinking that a 'nob' means the same as 'toff'; it's a derisory term for a very posh person. 'Knob' can mean 'a round lump on the surface or end of something', so referring to the end of a penis (like 'bell-end', a term I hate!). The penis being a term of ridicule for a bloke, like prick, dick, etc.

Yes, nob is a diminuation of nobility

OP posts:
Gingerdancedbackwards · 19/07/2024 09:32

mydogisthebest · 19/07/2024 09:31

It should be "knob" but it seems many don't know that

That's why I bought it up!

OP posts:
SeeSeeRider · 19/07/2024 09:44

Gingerdancedbackwards · 19/07/2024 09:31

Yes, nob is a diminuation of nobility

I can't find it in any dictionary. I know the noun 'diminuation' exists in French, where it means 'a weakening or lessening', but I'm not convinced it's an actual English word. Not that it matters, but it's the sort of thing that gets in my head! Sorry! 🙁Update - the OED says 'obsolete, rare' and gives an example from 1488!

SeeSeeRider · 19/07/2024 09:51

Thepeopleversuswork · 19/07/2024 08:16

I write nob for cock, knob for a door handle.

I don’t think it matters though. It’s not as if it’s in the Oxford English Dictionary.

'nob' is in the OED 2nd Ed. - with this meaning - 'a person of some wealth or social distinction', and 'knob' is there added 1997, 'the penis. slang'. So the meaning of knob as a foolish person is not, but never mind. I love this one for 'knob': 'A small collection of widgeons, dunbirds, teals, or the like.'. A note says 'small' in this context means 'a smaller number than 30'. So now we know.

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