Dictionary

bossman en · NOUN

Pronunciation

• (US) audio
• /ˈbɔsmän/ (Multicultural-London-English)
• /ˈbɑs-/ (General-American)
• /ˈbɔsmæn/ (General-American)
• /ˈbɒsmæn/ (Received-Pronunciation)

Etymology

From boss + man.

Meanings

1. (derogatory, informal, mildly, often) A male boss or employer.
   • I had a job but the bossman let me go (he said) I'm sorry but I won't be needing your help no more (I said) Please, mister bossman, I need this job more than you know But he gave me my last paycheck and he sent me on out the door 2010, “I Need A Dollar”, performed by Aloe Blacc:
   • Valerie nodded her head and added, "The workers don't back you up. They want to cooperate when they don't see the bossman, but as they see the bossman, they get frightened. […] 2004, quoted in Laurie Kroshus Medina, Negotiating Economic Development:
2. (informal, vocative) (MLE, informal) ▸ Used as a term of address for an unfamiliar, possibly distrusted man: bud, buddy, friend.
   • I don’t know what to tell you, bossman.
   • You should watch what you say, bossman.
3. (informal, vocative) (MLE, informal) ▸ Used as a term of address for a man who appears courageous: boss.
   • You really showed them, bossman. What’s your name?

Forms

Coordinates

bosslady · bosswoman

Relateds

the man · mensch