Knob vs. Nob: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A knob is a rounded handle or control switch, while nob is an informal British term for a person of high social status.
Key Differences
A knob is a rounded protrusion, often used as a handle or control on a door or piece of equipment, designed for grasping and turning. Meanwhile, nob is a colloquial term, primarily in the UK, referring to someone of high social standing or a person considered to be of the upper class.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 26, 2023
In the context of furniture or machinery, a knob is a functional component that allows the user to interact with the device, often providing tactile feedback. On the other hand, nob does not relate to physical objects but to the social hierarchy, and its usage can often be tongue-in-cheek or derogatory.
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Nov 26, 2023
The design and material of a knob can vary widely, from simple wooden drawer pulls to ornate metallic door handles. Conversely, the term nob, when applied to a person, does not comment on their appearance but rather their perceived social rank or aristocratic lineage.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 26, 2023
A knob serves a clear practical purpose, facilitating ease of use and accessibility. The term nob, however, serves a social descriptor, delineating societal roles and often carries connotations of privilege and entitlement.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 26, 2023
While a knob is encountered in everyday life, from adjusting a stove to entering a room, the term nob is less commonly used in everyday American English and is more of a casual or even slang reference to aristocracy or the upper echelons of society.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 26, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Cultural Reference
Universal usage across cultures.
Primarily British English usage.
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Nov 26, 2023
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Knob and Nob Definitions
Knob
A knob is a control switch on a machine or appliance.
He adjusted the volume using the radio's knob.
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Nov 08, 2023
Nob
Nob, in British slang, refers to a person of high social rank.
The party was filled with nobs from across the county.
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Nov 08, 2023
Knob
A knob can be a natural feature, like a hill or mound.
The house was built on a grassy knob overlooking the valley.
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Nov 08, 2023
Nob
Nob can describe someone who thinks they are superior to others.
She was tired of his nob attitude at work.
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Nov 08, 2023
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Nob
Nob can also mean the head or a term for someone acting haughty or snobbish.
He walked around like he was the nob of the town.
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Nov 08, 2023
Nob
Nob, in a historical context, could refer to a nobleman or noblewoman.
The nobs would gather at the ballroom for the evening's festivities.
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Nov 08, 2023
Nob
Nob is used informally to refer to a wealthy or influential person.
That man is quite the nob, with all his connections.
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Nov 08, 2023
Knob
A rounded protuberance, especially one arising from a flat surface; a fleshy lump or caruncle.
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Oct 19, 2023
Nob
The jack of the same suit as the card turned up by the dealer in cribbage, scoring one point for the holder.
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Oct 19, 2023
Knob
A rounded control switch that can be turned on its axis, designed to be operated by the fingers.
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Oct 19, 2023
Nob
A person of wealth or social standing
"The nobs were forever snubbing the snobs" (Conor Cruise O'Brien).
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Oct 19, 2023
Knob
A ball-shaped part of a handle, lever, etc., designed to be grabbed by the hand.
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Oct 19, 2023
Nob
The head.
Jack and Jill went up the hill / to fetch a pail of water; / Jack fell down and broke his crown / and Jill came tumbling after. / Up Jack got and home did trot, / as fast as he could caper, / to old Dame Dob / to mend his nob / with vinegar and brown paper.
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Oct 19, 2023
Nob
(cribbage) A jack of the same suit as the card turned up by the dealer. (See also nibs.)
One for his nob.
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Oct 19, 2023
Nob
(slang) The glans penis, the sensitive bulbous structure at the end of the penis also known as the head of the penis. Also spelled knob.
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Oct 19, 2023
Knob
(cooking) A dollop, an amount just larger than a spoonful (usually referring to butter).
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Oct 19, 2023
Knob
A hard protuberance; a hard swelling or rising; a bunch; a lump; as, a knob in the flesh, or on a bone.
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Oct 19, 2023
Knob
A knoblike ornament or handle; as, the knob of a lock, door, or drawer.
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Oct 19, 2023
Knob
A knob is a rounded button or handle on a door or drawer.
She turned the knob to open the cabinet.
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Nov 08, 2023
Knob
A knob is the tip of a bone, especially in joints.
The doctor pointed to the knob on the model of the human knee.
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Nov 08, 2023
Knob
A knob is a decorative piece of hardware.
The antique dresser had brass knobs that shone in the sunlight.
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Nov 08, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Does nob have a derogatory connotation?
It can be used in a derogatory manner to imply snobbery.
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Nov 26, 2023
What is a knob made of?
Knobs can be made of metal, wood, plastic, or glass.
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Nov 26, 2023
Are knobs only found on doors?
No, they are also on appliances, furniture, and equipment.
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Nov 26, 2023
Do nobs only refer to men?
No, it can refer to any person of high social standing.
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Nov 26, 2023
Can a knob be square or must it be round?
Typically, knobs are round for ease of use, but they can vary in shape.
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Nov 26, 2023
Are all door knobs turnable?
Most are, but some may be fixed and used with a push or pull action.
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Nov 26, 2023
Can anyone be a nob?
The term is typically reserved for the wealthy or aristocratic.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 26, 2023
Is the term nob used outside the UK?
It's less common but can be understood in other English-speaking countries.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 26, 2023
Can knob refer to a geographical feature?
Yes, a knob can also be a small, rounded hill.
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Nov 26, 2023
Are knobs universal in design?
No, designs can vary widely based on culture and function.
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Nov 26, 2023
Can knobs be custom-designed?
Absolutely, custom knobs can be made for specific aesthetic needs.
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Nov 26, 2023
Is the term nob still commonly used?
It's less common and somewhat dated, but still in use.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 26, 2023
Is nob an official title?
No, it's informal slang, not an official designation.
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Nov 26, 2023
Do knobs require maintenance?
Yes, they may need cleaning or tightening over time.
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Nov 26, 2023
Do modern appliances have knobs?
Many do, though touch screens are also common.
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Nov 26, 2023
Does nob refer to a specific class?
Historically, yes, but its modern use is more generalized.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 26, 2023
Can the term nob be used humorously?
Yes, it's often used in a light-hearted or teasing way.
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Nov 26, 2023
Is there a female equivalent to nob?
Nob can refer to any gender; there's no separate term for women.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 26, 2023
Is nob a compliment?
It depends on the context; it can be either a compliment or an insult.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 26, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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