IIRC the term "zobbit" comes from an Arabic word for the foreman or boss of a work group.
In the pre-PC 60s/70s, "Hairy" was spoken in full as "Hairy-arsed", so nothing to do with the uniform's material . It was a term of respect to denote someone (of whatever rank, including Zobs where applicable) who had great experience, knowledge and maturity.
Why are Bona Mates so called?