or nabs, subs. (colloquial).—Self: HIS NIBS = the person referred to; YOUR NIBS = yourself; MY NIBS = myself—‘dis child.’ Also = ‘friend,’ ‘boy,’ &c., in addressing a person. Also NIBSO. Cf. WATCH.
1819. J. H. VAUX, Memoirs, s.v. YOUR NABS, yourself; an emphatical term used in speaking to another person.
1821. D. HAGGART, Life, ‘Glossary,’ p. 172, s.v.
1851–61. H. MAYHEW, London Labour and the London Poor, iii. 136. He had nanti-vampo, and YOUR NIBS must fake it; which means,—We have no clown, and you must do it.
1890. Punch, 22 Feb. So Robert, MY NABS, it’s no go.
1892. The Sporting Times, 29 Oct. For out of HIS NIBS I had taken a rise.
1892. CHEVALIER, ‘The Little Nipper.’ So in we goes, followed by ’IS NIBS.
1893. MILLIKEN, ’Arry Ballads, 23. That nicked ’er, MY NIBS.
