nibs

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

An important or self-important person.

Register: slang

Examples

Vera, you are a gleam of brilliant modernity in our dim old cave of antiques — and their nibs, our ancestors." Peter waved disrespectfully to the portrait

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Self.

Register: dated, slang

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “nibs” mean?

An important or self-important person.

Is “nibs” formal or informal?

nibs is generally slang.