Was listening to a discussion on a podcast about when another dude (stranger) calls you 'boss' and how it is intended to be condescending or not and it got intense.
Latino guys working at bodegas would call white and Asian male customers "boss." I took it as slightly sardonic but no big deal. I think it has spread and become more pervasive now but definitely goes way back
it depends on the part of the country your in or how it's used. I would much rather, hey boss can you give me a hand than hey dude, can you give me a hand.
I didnt start hearing it until I'd say the 2000s here in NJ. Its been around, I know that but it's always said by guys in their late teens-early 20s nowadays.
I don't agree. In my experience it is totally meant to be condescending. I guess the most flagrant user of the term was my Jamaican supervisor at Boston Market, when I was a 17 yo teen. Dude was a total ass. Loved to show off his black Maxima as proof he was a big shot over us employees. Always paraded his current honey around the store and then found something insignificant to yell at someone over to prove his authority in front of his girl....
Anyway, the only time he would use that phrase, "Hey boss," was when he wanted something crappy. Like coming to you 15 minutes before your shift is over and saying he needs you to a work double and close. Or when he wants someone to clean the bathroom (especially the ladies room.... shudder! 🤮
This post is making me hungry for some BM chicken salad....
we don't go drinking together, I ain't pal we don't to ball games together, I ain't chief I'm not wearing a firehat. No I'm not serious bout any of that just something I heard once.
Classic Dale Carnegie's How to Win Friends & Influence People: Â
I say it a decent amount too and don't mean it to be condescending at all.
The other day a guy waited a little more than normal or expected and held open a door to a store for me. A quick thanks boss from me and a no problem response from him. I didn't see any problem with it because it was a boss move by him. He didn't have to hold the door as long as he did.
I say it a decent amount too and don't mean it to be condescending at all.
The other day a guy waited a little more than normal or expected and held open a door to a store for me. A quick thanks boss from me and a no problem response from him. I didn't see any problem with it because it was a boss move by him. He didn't have to hold the door as long as he did.
I also use it when I don't know a guy's name and he does something that I appreciate. I know "buddy" is out there too but I prefer boss. It's got nothing to do with anything, it's just a placeholder when you don't know someone's name. Never seen anyone have a problem with it.
I personally do not care for it. I do not like buddy much either. Usually guys who lift a lot of weights, wear basketball jerseys (without a t shirt under it) and hang out at bars frequently use those terms.
About 17 years ago I was a director of a large IT staff. I purchased my 5 managers Christmas presents. Yes it was a while ago, not sure if I would today or what would they be called. Anyway I'm Jewish and my then 8 year daughter was helping me wrap the presents. She was getting a big kick of it because we don't celebrate Christmas (obviously for some maybe not so for others). Anyway she was filling out those little tags that you put on the packages and she asked me who should she say it was from. I said John but she went ahead and put down "The Boss". Not sure if she had a total understanding of that sobriquet.
Anyway( I told this was long) about 3 years later I was in the process of bringing disciplinary action for non performance against one of these managers. He turned around and charged me with a discrimination complaint. He was African American(unfortunately he had a massive heart attack just a few years ago at 62). He was demoted and moved to another area. The discrimination suit was dropped.
The basis of the suit was my using the term boss on the Christmas package tags three years before. He felt that the term boss was offensive coming from a white male to an Afro-American.
What thinks you?
Not trying to be controversial just wondering.
Someone thinks I'm Springsteen? That's okay by me! :) Â
who gives a shit. I don't think anything condescending is meant by any of them, especially if the person doesn't know your name. I guess guy, or mate can be thrown in there as well, mate especially if they are from Australia. Guy I never understood though.
If a someone is trying to pull some obviously stupid alpha male bullshit or a supervisor is asking me to do something unpleasant. It works best if you use a Jamaican patois pronunciation.
The same people seem to use all these words depending on the trend. And usually they are all douches. But honestly, I never even realize it as more than a douche's way of greeting me etc. So who really cares? To me it helps determine what kind of person you are dealing with right off the bat.
The same people seem to use all these words depending on the trend. And usually they are all douches. But honestly, I never even realize it as more than a douche's way of greeting me etc. So who really cares? To me it helps determine what kind of person you are dealing with right off the bat.
Eh, Bud, Budfy is just another way of saying friend or mate to me. I dont see them as being douchey at all, just trying to be more of the welcoming or friendly type.
Latino guys working at bodegas would call white and Asian male customers "boss." I took it as slightly sardonic but no big deal. I think it has spread and become more pervasive now but definitely goes way back
I first heard it in Manhattan delis from Latino guys working the sandwich counters about 25 years ago. Still get it ("Thanks boss") occasionally in the liquor store when I buy beer. As long as I get decent service I don't care.
is pretty pathetic. It’s obviously condescending, but I can’t imagine caring enough to let it effect me.
Who says it's condescending? Its the same thing as when a waitress at a Diner calls me sweetie, honey, or dear.
Do you really think those people are saying shit like " did you see me just call him boss and he had no idea that I was popping shit?!"
What silly insight.
Depends on how they say it. You bring up another one. 'Honey' from female to male has definitely been used in a condescending manner. Not in the same way or even situation that you mention it with a waitress involved, but I have heard many females talking to men using that...almost seems like they're making it too obvious and to go out of their way to talk purposely talk down to them - tone. "
"Oh honey, no." used during an argument or some sort of lecture or as if the woman has to publicly show she has pity for them. I've seen Amy Schumer use it before on roasts and as herself, and she couldn't be anymore obvious shes doing it.
RE: Different view point and long so pass if not interested Â
About 17 years ago I was a director of a large IT staff. I purchased my 5 managers Christmas presents. Yes it was a while ago, not sure if I would today or what would they be called. Anyway I'm Jewish and my then 8 year daughter was helping me wrap the presents. She was getting a big kick of it because we don't celebrate Christmas (obviously for some maybe not so for others). Anyway she was filling out those little tags that you put on the packages and she asked me who should she say it was from. I said John but she went ahead and put down "The Boss". Not sure if she had a total understanding of that sobriquet.
Anyway( I told this was long) about 3 years later I was in the process of bringing disciplinary action for non performance against one of these managers. He turned around and charged me with a discrimination complaint. He was African American(unfortunately he had a massive heart attack just a few years ago at 62). He was demoted and moved to another area. The discrimination suit was dropped.
The basis of the suit was my using the term boss on the Christmas package tags three years before. He felt that the term boss was offensive coming from a white male to an Afro-American.
What thinks you?
Not trying to be controversial just wondering.
The best his attorney could do was to claim that "boss" is an offensive racially charged term?
I personally do not care for it. I do not like buddy much either. Usually guys who lift a lot of weights, wear basketball jerseys (without a t shirt under it) and hang out at bars frequently use those terms.
I must be missing something because I'm having a hard time thinking of any time where calling someone boss (in a normal conversational tone) would be condescending. Isn't a boss someone you work for, someone further up the pecking order? How can my referring to you as being my superior make you feel like I'm talking down to you?
I must be missing something because I'm having a hard time thinking of any time where calling someone boss (in a normal conversational tone) would be condescending. Isn't a boss someone you work for, someone further up the pecking order? How can my referring to you as being my superior make you feel like I'm talking down to you?
I can think of a lot of instances.
- Guy walks into a Starbucks with sunglasses on his head and says to the barista "Hey Boss, I'll take a triple Venti Macchiato with extra foam. You can get that correct? Right, Boss?"
- You approach a nightclub with a flat-brimmed hat on cockeyed and ragged shorts. Bouncer looks at you, puts a hand up and says "Take a walk, Boss"
- Guy pulls up to a parking lot in a shitty Ford Focus, flips the keys to the valet and says "Boss, make sure it doesn't get scratched, Capece?"
I must be missing something because I'm having a hard time thinking of any time where calling someone boss (in a normal conversational tone) would be condescending. Isn't a boss someone you work for, someone further up the pecking order? How can my referring to you as being my superior make you feel like I'm talking down to you?
I can think of a lot of instances.
- Guy walks into a Starbucks with sunglasses on his head and says to the barista "Hey Boss, I'll take a triple Venti Macchiato with extra foam. You can get that correct? Right, Boss?"
- You approach a nightclub with a flat-brimmed hat on cockeyed and ragged shorts. Bouncer looks at you, puts a hand up and says "Take a walk, Boss"
- Guy pulls up to a parking lot in a shitty Ford Focus, flips the keys to the valet and says "Boss, make sure it doesn't get scratched, Capece?"
-- Guy walks into a deli and say "Can I have a corned beef on rye with mustard?" and the clerk replies "You got it, boss."
White collar job - I've always presumed it was a lighthearted term in that context. Have I been offending them?
Context:
Boss: I have a very bad idea.
Me: I don't think that's wise.
Boss: No, trust me it's genius.
Me: (shrugs) Ok boss.
Some people have a super annoying pseudononconfrontational management style where they like to pretend that we are all equals and friends united by a common passion for selling widgets or whatever and phrase commands like gentle suggestions. "Boss" reminds them that I do this shit for money, not because I particularly like them. The converse is bosses who are regional managers for Pizza Hut and think of themselves as a cross between Napoleon and Hova. They really appear to think they killed Osama bin laden by fudging the #'s and yelling at some 20somethings to reach the monthly pepperoni sales target. In that case you get "boss" with pretty heavy irony and eyerolling. Good bosses don't like being called boss because they are concerned with accomplishing the task at hand and want people to do what they say because what they say because what they say is probably the best why to accomplish the task at hand, not because they are 1 step up on the corporate hierarchy.
I personally do not care for it. I do not like buddy much either. Usually guys who lift a lot of weights, wear basketball jerseys (without a t shirt under it) and hang out at bars frequently use those terms.
I must be missing something because I'm having a hard time thinking of any time where calling someone boss (in a normal conversational tone) would be condescending. Isn't a boss someone you work for, someone further up the pecking order? How can my referring to you as being my superior make you feel like I'm talking down to you?
The original poster mentioned a complete stranger calling you a boss.
So no, it's not your literal boss. It's a kid callig you that or someone around your age is what I guess route 9 was getting to.
GET THE FUCK OFF MY LAWN
Who is getting worked up? Are you getting worked up about getting worked up?
Haha just kidding. I do think it is odd and condescending but I always laugh it off or say something funny. Usually it is by some punk kid though.
I don't agree. In my experience it is totally meant to be condescending. I guess the most flagrant user of the term was my Jamaican supervisor at Boston Market, when I was a 17 yo teen. Dude was a total ass. Loved to show off his black Maxima as proof he was a big shot over us employees. Always paraded his current honey around the store and then found something insignificant to yell at someone over to prove his authority in front of his girl....
Anyway, the only time he would use that phrase, "Hey boss," was when he wanted something crappy. Like coming to you 15 minutes before your shift is over and saying he needs you to a work double and close. Or when he wants someone to clean the bathroom (especially the ladies room.... shudder! 🤮
This post is making me hungry for some BM chicken salad....
If he is a stranger, do what every player on the Giants calls the fan who is asking for his autograph: "Buddy."
You're welcome.
I say it a decent amount too and don't mean it to be condescending at all.
The other day a guy waited a little more than normal or expected and held open a door to a store for me. A quick thanks boss from me and a no problem response from him. I didn't see any problem with it because it was a boss move by him. He didn't have to hold the door as long as he did.
If someone is sarcastically trying to be a tough guy with it then they deserve a throat punch.
Quote:
But I am also a lot cooler than Route 9 as well.
I say it a decent amount too and don't mean it to be condescending at all.
The other day a guy waited a little more than normal or expected and held open a door to a store for me. A quick thanks boss from me and a no problem response from him. I didn't see any problem with it because it was a boss move by him. He didn't have to hold the door as long as he did.
I also use it when I don't know a guy's name and he does something that I appreciate. I know "buddy" is out there too but I prefer boss. It's got nothing to do with anything, it's just a placeholder when you don't know someone's name. Never seen anyone have a problem with it.
I personally do not care for it. I do not like buddy much either. Usually guys who lift a lot of weights, wear basketball jerseys (without a t shirt under it) and hang out at bars frequently use those terms.
Anyway( I told this was long) about 3 years later I was in the process of bringing disciplinary action for non performance against one of these managers. He turned around and charged me with a discrimination complaint. He was African American(unfortunately he had a massive heart attack just a few years ago at 62). He was demoted and moved to another area. The discrimination suit was dropped.
The basis of the suit was my using the term boss on the Christmas package tags three years before. He felt that the term boss was offensive coming from a white male to an Afro-American.
What thinks you?
Not trying to be controversial just wondering.
Eh, Bud, Budfy is just another way of saying friend or mate to me. I dont see them as being douchey at all, just trying to be more of the welcoming or friendly type.
Elisha10 : 6/30/2018 8:42 pm : link : reply
Some often use that in the same way.
When somebody calls me boss I usually call them Ace right back. Or maybe Chief.
I first heard it in Manhattan delis from Latino guys working the sandwich counters about 25 years ago. Still get it ("Thanks boss") occasionally in the liquor store when I buy beer. As long as I get decent service I don't care.
He was a douchebag, so I never really let it bother me.
Who says it's condescending? Its the same thing as when a waitress at a Diner calls me sweetie, honey, or dear.
Do you really think those people are saying shit like " did you see me just call him boss and he had no idea that I was popping shit?!"
What silly insight.
He was a douchebag, so I never really let it bother me.
Was probably from Boston and that is a regional colloquialism.
Jesus, some of you must be a blast to drink with.
Dude is the one, at my age, seems ridiculous. Fast times at Ridgemont High anyone?
Quote:
is pretty pathetic. It’s obviously condescending, but I can’t imagine caring enough to let it effect me.
Who says it's condescending? Its the same thing as when a waitress at a Diner calls me sweetie, honey, or dear.
Do you really think those people are saying shit like " did you see me just call him boss and he had no idea that I was popping shit?!"
What silly insight.
Depends on how they say it. You bring up another one. 'Honey' from female to male has definitely been used in a condescending manner. Not in the same way or even situation that you mention it with a waitress involved, but I have heard many females talking to men using that...almost seems like they're making it too obvious and to go out of their way to talk purposely talk down to them - tone. "
"Oh honey, no." used during an argument or some sort of lecture or as if the woman has to publicly show she has pity for them. I've seen Amy Schumer use it before on roasts and as herself, and she couldn't be anymore obvious shes doing it.
Anyway( I told this was long) about 3 years later I was in the process of bringing disciplinary action for non performance against one of these managers. He turned around and charged me with a discrimination complaint. He was African American(unfortunately he had a massive heart attack just a few years ago at 62). He was demoted and moved to another area. The discrimination suit was dropped.
The basis of the suit was my using the term boss on the Christmas package tags three years before. He felt that the term boss was offensive coming from a white male to an Afro-American.
What thinks you?
Not trying to be controversial just wondering.
The best his attorney could do was to claim that "boss" is an offensive racially charged term?
Wow. Can you say "summary judgement?"
I personally do not care for it. I do not like buddy much either. Usually guys who lift a lot of weights, wear basketball jerseys (without a t shirt under it) and hang out at bars frequently use those terms.
I must be missing something because I'm having a hard time thinking of any time where calling someone boss (in a normal conversational tone) would be condescending. Isn't a boss someone you work for, someone further up the pecking order? How can my referring to you as being my superior make you feel like I'm talking down to you?
I can think of a lot of instances.
- Guy walks into a Starbucks with sunglasses on his head and says to the barista "Hey Boss, I'll take a triple Venti Macchiato with extra foam. You can get that correct? Right, Boss?"
- You approach a nightclub with a flat-brimmed hat on cockeyed and ragged shorts. Bouncer looks at you, puts a hand up and says "Take a walk, Boss"
- Guy pulls up to a parking lot in a shitty Ford Focus, flips the keys to the valet and says "Boss, make sure it doesn't get scratched, Capece?"
Quote:
I must be missing something because I'm having a hard time thinking of any time where calling someone boss (in a normal conversational tone) would be condescending. Isn't a boss someone you work for, someone further up the pecking order? How can my referring to you as being my superior make you feel like I'm talking down to you?
I can think of a lot of instances.
- Guy walks into a Starbucks with sunglasses on his head and says to the barista "Hey Boss, I'll take a triple Venti Macchiato with extra foam. You can get that correct? Right, Boss?"
- You approach a nightclub with a flat-brimmed hat on cockeyed and ragged shorts. Bouncer looks at you, puts a hand up and says "Take a walk, Boss"
- Guy pulls up to a parking lot in a shitty Ford Focus, flips the keys to the valet and says "Boss, make sure it doesn't get scratched, Capece?"
-- Guy walks into a deli and say "Can I have a corned beef on rye with mustard?" and the clerk replies "You got it, boss."
Context:
Boss: I have a very bad idea.
Me: I don't think that's wise.
Boss: No, trust me it's genius.
Me: (shrugs) Ok boss.
Some people have a super annoying pseudononconfrontational management style where they like to pretend that we are all equals and friends united by a common passion for selling widgets or whatever and phrase commands like gentle suggestions. "Boss" reminds them that I do this shit for money, not because I particularly like them. The converse is bosses who are regional managers for Pizza Hut and think of themselves as a cross between Napoleon and Hova. They really appear to think they killed Osama bin laden by fudging the #'s and yelling at some 20somethings to reach the monthly pepperoni sales target. In that case you get "boss" with pretty heavy irony and eyerolling. Good bosses don't like being called boss because they are concerned with accomplishing the task at hand and want people to do what they say because what they say because what they say is probably the best why to accomplish the task at hand, not because they are 1 step up on the corporate hierarchy.
TLDR: very rarely is "boss" a compliment.
I go with hero if someone calls me boss
Confused as fuck
Yeah. This.
Quote:
that WASN'T used in a condescending tone.
I personally do not care for it. I do not like buddy much either. Usually guys who lift a lot of weights, wear basketball jerseys (without a t shirt under it) and hang out at bars frequently use those terms.
I must be missing something because I'm having a hard time thinking of any time where calling someone boss (in a normal conversational tone) would be condescending. Isn't a boss someone you work for, someone further up the pecking order? How can my referring to you as being my superior make you feel like I'm talking down to you?
The original poster mentioned a complete stranger calling you a boss.
So no, it's not your literal boss. It's a kid callig you that or someone around your age is what I guess route 9 was getting to.
Quote:
call everyone governor.
But w a cockney accent. Guvnah
I go with hero if someone calls me boss
Confused as fuck