A commotion, fuss, or petty quarrel; in historical usage, a small rebellion or disturbance in British India; unnecessary trouble or bother.
From Anglo-Indian English, derived from Hindi babu (a clerk, clerk, or Hindu gentleman). Used by British colonists to describe various forms of agitation, particularly minor uprisings. The word reflects colonial attitudes toward Indian affairs, often diminishing their significance with the term 'bobbery.'
The British used 'bobbery' to downplay Indian resistance movements as mere 'fussy disturbances'—it's a fascinating example of how language can be weaponized to minimize other people's struggles!
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