bossman

plural bossmen · alternative boss man · alternative boss-man

1. derogatoryinformalmildlyoftenA male boss or employer.First known use 1930s.

   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

   1 more example

   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

2. (MLE, informal)
   1. informalvocativeUsed as a term of address for an unfamiliar, possibly distrusted man: bud, buddy, friend.

      You should watch what you say, bossman.

      1 more example

      I don’t know what to tell you, bossman.

   2. informalvocativeUsed as a term of address for a man who appears courageous: boss.

      You really showed them, bossman. What’s your name?