Used in engineering to refer to a specific metal alloy in machine parts.

Mechanical Usage

Babbitt specifically describes a soft bearing metal, not any metal in general.

Not General Metal

Mention of babbitt often implies maintenance or replacement of machine parts.

Replacement Context

Understanding the novel 'Babbitt' provides insight into the term's cultural depiction of materialism.

Cultural Reference

Used pejoratively to describe someone overly focused on material success.

Negative Connotation

Still relevant today to critique someone's capitalist values or lifestyle.

Modern Usage

 authors can invest into these fictional beings. So much so, that, I mean -- take a look at this. There's an entire series of books that are written about fictional characters. Like, the entire book is just about one fictional, fake human being. There's an entire book on George F. Babbitt