Hobson-Jobson: The Anglo-Indian Dictionary

Bungalow, pyjamas, tiffin, rickshaw, veranda, curry, cheroot, chintz, calico, gingham, mango, junk and catamaran are all words which have crept into the English language from the days of Britain's colonial rule of the Indian sub-continent and the Malaysian Peninsular. Hobson-Jobson (derived from the Islamic cry at the celebration of Muhurram 'Ya Hasan, ya Hosain' is shorthand for the assimilation of foreign words to the sound pattern of the adopting language. This dictionary, compiled in the late-19th century, is an invaluable source which has never been superseded. It is an essential book for all who are interested in English etymology and the development of the language. AUTHORS: Arthur Cole Burnell (1840-1882) spent large parts of his life in India working for the civil service, and translated a considerable number of Sanskrit manuscripts. He co-operated with Sir Henry Yule to write 'Hobson-Jobson', and Anglo-Indian dictionary. Sir Henry Yule was a military man, serving in India and retiring as a colonel in 1862. In his leisure time, he wrote some well-received books on Asia, but he is best remembered for collaborating with Dr A.C. Burnell in writing the Anglo-Indian dictionary, 'Hobson-Jobson'.