Boss
/bɒs/noun
A person who directs or supervises others, especially in a workplace.
Did you know?The American use of boss was strongly popularized in the 19th century by Dutch-descended New Yorkers, where baas meant “master” or “overseer.”
Etymological Timeline
Middle Dutch
Middle Dutch
baes
“Master, superior, or head of a household; the exact deeper origin is uncertain.”
17th Century
Dutch
baas
“Master, employer, or person in authority.”
18th Century
Colonial American English
boss
“A term for a master, overseer, or person who directs workers, especially in Dutch-influenced New York.”
19th Century
American English
boss
“An employer or political leader; the word became widespread in American public and workplace language.”
Modern English
English
boss
“A person who supervises or controls others, especially at work.”