Lala
/ˈlɑː.lɑː/noun
A South Asian honorific formerly used for a Hindu gentleman, especially a merchant or banker.
Did you know?In colonial-era English, “Lala” was commonly used before an Indian man’s name, much like a title of courtesy rather than a personal name.
Etymological Timeline
Sanskrit and Prakrit period
Indic
lālā
“A term of address or respectful title; the precise earlier derivation is uncertain.”
Medieval period
Hindi
lālā
“An honorific used for a Hindu gentleman, particularly one associated with trade or finance.”
18th–19th Century
Anglo-Indian English
Lala
“A title of respect used by English speakers in British India for Hindu men.”
Modern English
English
Lala
“A historical or loanword honorific referring to an Indian gentleman, now mostly encountered in historical contexts.”