Call me "Boss" and I might cut you.
By The Horse
@TheHorse (218548)
Walnut Creek, California
December 17, 2016 12:25pm CST
I was just reading @Maluse's post about MyLot etiquette, and having some fun in the Comments, when I realized there IS one "term of endearment." that really ticks me off when people use it in the real world.
Call me "hon" and I'm fine with with that. I think of blue-haired ladies at the ma and pa dinner. Call me "Sir" and I might feel "old" for a second, but I'll just "Sir" or "Ma'am" you right back, whether you're 25 or 85. Call me "Dude," and I'll respond with "Yo." Call me "bra" and I'll make sure my wallet is deep in my pocket.
But where in the world did "Boss" come from? Over the past three years, I've heard an increasing number of people (males in particular) calling each other "Boss," and I don't like it one bit. It feels disingenuous, flip, and even sarcastic to me. I'm not your boss. I'm your customer or acquaintance.
Have you noticed the "Boss" trend where you are? (I'm in the San Francisco Bay Area.) Are there particular real-world terms of endearment that tick you off?
26 people like this
30 responses
@andriaperry (116936)
• Anniston, Alabama
17 Dec 16
LOL, I know where this comes from. Prison.
I hate when people call me "hon" or "sweetie" because they do not know me at all, I am far from sweet, besides being a diabetic, I am not their hon - honey. I prefer being called by my name or if in a business ma`am.
4 people like this
@Rohvannyn (3098)
• United States
17 Dec 16
Just what I was thinking about "boss!" I've gotten used to endearments since I moved to AZ.
1 person likes this
@Bluedoll (16773)
• Canada
17 Dec 16
I've heard boss but it usually is said with jolly.
Look what the cat dragged in is a common expression too. People tell me it is an acceptable greeting and not to worry. But talk about degrading. A fairly recent phrase I've heard is "you're not going to hit me are you"? Now that is almost intimidating. One region of the world close to me does use the nick name "boy". It is believe it or not equal to being referred to as "buddy" both names friendly calls.
3 people like this
@Rohvannyn (3098)
• United States
17 Dec 16
If I ever hear "you're not going to hit me are you?" I'll probably just shut my mouth and walk off. I won't tolerate that kind of rudeness. I don't call people "boy" because it's something people used to call servants or slaves!
1 person likes this
@rusty2rusty (6763)
• Defiance, Ohio
18 Dec 16
I tend to refer to people as sir or mad'am. As I am bad with names. As long as someone isn't cussing or putting me down. It doesn't bother me what slang word they use.
2 people like this
@infatuatedbby (94914)
• United States
17 Dec 16
I hear it a lot especially at the casino, they'll call the men 'boss'.
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (94914)
• United States
17 Dec 16
@TheHorse I just asked my bf who is beside me. Do you like it if someone calls you Boss? My boyfriend said I am not paying you money don't call me boss. 
3 people like this
@TheHorse (218548)
• Walnut Creek, California
17 Dec 16
@infatuatedbby I agree with him.
1 person likes this
@STOUTjodee (3573)
• United States
17 Dec 16
I'm never heard that one, other than when I was a "BOSS." 
The term of endearment I don't like is being called "Dude" when I'm clearly NOT a "dude!"
The term of endearment I don't like is being called "Dude" when I'm clearly NOT a "dude!" 1 person likes this
@thislittlepennyearns (62185)
• Defuniak Springs, Florida
17 Dec 16
that must be an age thing, because i have no issue s being called dude, even though i rarely call anyone else dude, unless weve been drinking or im just being really silly
3 people like this
@JamesHxstatic (29413)
• Eugene, Oregon
18 Dec 16
I have not noticed that here yet. Oddly enough, eons ago when I sold women's shoes in southern Calif, the regional manager was fond of addressing everyone as "Boss," as in "It takes a lot hard work, Boss." I always thought that was very strange.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (218548)
• Walnut Creek, California
25 Dec 16
@JamesHxstatic Even "dude" or "bro" are OK with me. I've never been to Hawaii, so "bra" might scare me, or make me think I'm about to be taken into custody by Dog the Bounty Hunter.
1 person likes this
@JamesHxstatic (29413)
• Eugene, Oregon
25 Dec 16
@TheHorse No, it would bother me too.
1 person likes this
@thislittlepennyearns (62185)
• Defuniak Springs, Florida
17 Dec 16
Yeah it gets said a lot here, usually by construction workers, or places where the workforce is majority of males.I hate beng called m'am.
1 person likes this
@thislittlepennyearns (62185)
• Defuniak Springs, Florida
17 Dec 16
@TheHorse nope, it is common. also when i worked at a rehab it was often used by the patients. so i dont know if its a street thing too, or what
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (218548)
• Walnut Creek, California
17 Dec 16
@thislittlepennyearns Maybe it has a street element to it. I've been "outa Oakland" for about four years.
1 person likes this
@Nihil90 (343)
• Indore, India
18 Dec 16
I have mostly heard people utter it at workplaces as a sign of sycophancy and as a way of making the other person feel important with the aim of getting their work done. The word has a hollow superlative ring to it. I do not mind if somebody addresses me "Boss". but I will if it is overused.
2 people like this
@scarlet_woman (23463)
• United States
25 Dec 16
maybe from that "like a boss" thing people say now..
i'm not sure i like being called ma'am.for one thing it sounds a little old for me.
could be worse tho i suppose.
1 person likes this
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
18 Dec 16
boss is not a word I have heard people use as slang.
1 person likes this
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
18 Dec 16
@TheHorse or I just don't hang with people who use fresh slang, lol
@nanette64 (20364)
• Fairfield, Texas
18 Dec 16
I haven't heard the "Boss" one @TheHorse .
1 person likes this
@just4him (317040)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
18 Dec 16
I hadn't heard that one before. I have heard all the others. I get ma'am a lot in particular from people who have been in the military. The problem with courtesy is that it's something that doesn't happen much these days and to have a comeback with it is pleasant on the ears, but I don't think I would like it if anyone called me boss.
1 person likes this
@fishtiger58 (29820)
• Momence, Illinois
18 Dec 16
I don't care for hon at all cos I ain't your hon
1 person likes this
