Babbitt

Babbitt is a satrical novel written by the novelist and liberal activist Sinclair Lewis. It tells the story of George F. Babbitt, a fictional Republican and Rotarian who conforms to the expectations of his society. Sinclair condemns Babbitt for his meekness and civility, while at the same time arguing that society depends for its survival on men like Babbitt.

The word "Babbitt" has since entered the English language as an epigraph, or proper noun, meaning "someone who conforms too readily to society's norms", and having perjurious connotations. Perhaps because of those connotations, it has also entered the street slang of drug abusers; one pot smoker may exclaim to another, "Hey, man, don't Babbitt that joint!"