What Does "Boss" Mean in UK Slang? An In-Depth Look

As an avid gamer and tech enthusiast living in the UK, I often come across British slang terms that might sound strange to Americans or those from other parts of the world. One such word is "boss", which has some meanings beyond just "a person in charge". Let‘s take an in-depth look at the various uses and connotations of calling someone "boss" in British English slang.

The Many Definitions of "Boss"

The Oxford English Dictionary lists two main definitions for boss when used as a noun:

1. A person who is in charge of or manages an organization or team. For example: "She was the boss of a large international company."

2. A supervisor or manager in the workplace. For example: "I‘ll have to check with my boss before booking time off work."

So in proper British English, boss primarily refers to someone in a position of authority over others in a work context. But there are also a range of more informal, slangy ways that boss gets used.

Boss Meaning "Excellent"

One common slang meaning of boss is to describe something as excellent, cool, or fashionable. For example:

• "That new video game is boss!"

• "Your new trainers are well boss, mate!"

This use of boss as a synonym for excellent or high quality originated in the late 19th century in the United States. It comes from the phrase "boss of all" which was slang for the best or most superior.

This slang sense crossed over to the UK and is still widely used today, especially by younger generations. It‘s often used to emphasize that something is particularly great or cool.

Boss as a Compliment

Related to this meaning of excellent, boss can also be used as a compliment to describe someone who is exceptionally good at something or has admirable skills.

• "Your kid is boss at football – so talented!"

• "My friend Russ can code anything – he‘s boss at Python."

So calling someone "boss" in UK slang is a way of showing your admiration for their abilities. It recognizes that they are accomplished, skilled, and at the top of their game in that area of expertise.

Origins and History

The word boss comes from the Dutch word "baas", meaning master. It was absorbed into the English language in the mid-17th century during the colonization of America.

In the 19th century, American laborers started using boss rather than "master" to refer to managers and overseers. This avoided the awkward connotations of master with slavery, while still showing respect.

Over time, boss gained more informal and friendly connotations – a manager you respect rather than a "master" who demands subservience. The term caught on in the UK workplace too, though "master" could still be used in some traditional English contexts until the 20th century.

Male vs. Female Bosses

For most of its history in English, the word boss carried implications of masculinity due to its workplace usage. So the terms "lady boss" or "woman boss" arose in the 20th century to specify a female manager.

However, many women today dislike the gender specification of being called a "lady boss". They feel they should be respected just as a boss without reference to their gender.

Among younger generations and in progressive companies, women managers are now commonly called "boss" to avoid any implications that the term only applies to men.

Regional Variations in the UK

In Liverpool and surrounding regions, boss is often used in slang simply to mean something is excellent or of high quality. For example:

• "The new Steven Gerrard documentary is boss."

• "That pizza we had last night was well boss."

This regional meaning of boss may come from the jazz scene in the 1950s/60s. Jazz musicians would use it to refer to someone who was excellent or in control of their instrument.

So if a Scouser calls something "boss", they don‘t necessarily mean it‘s stylish or cool – they simply mean it‘s extremely good quality.

Is Calling Someone "Boss" Respectful?

Given the complex history and meanings behind the word, calling someone "boss" can imply both respect and disrespect depending on the context.

Some positive connotations of boss:

• Shows respect from young to old, as in "Yes boss, right away boss!"

• Recognizes someone‘s skills, knowledge, leadership qualities

• A jokey way to acknowledge someone‘s expertise

But boss can also have negative or patronizing connotations:

• Sarcastic way to undermine someone‘s authority

• Disrespectful to call someone boss unnecessarily

• Overused to suck up to managers

So as a general rule, only call your own manager boss if you have an established informal relationship. Don‘t overuse it with senior leaders or executives. And don‘t use boss to seem friendly with service staff – it can come across as rude or undermining.

Helpful Tips for Using "Boss" Respectfully at Work

Here are some tips to avoid misusing boss in British workplaces:

• Stick to managers‘ names and "sir/ma‘am" unless you know they prefer boss

• Only call the business owner/CEO boss if you hear others do so

• Don‘t overuse boss with your own manager if they outrank you

• Never use boss in a sarcastic or undermining tone

• Consider the power dynamics – don‘t force informal terms on seniors

So in summary, boss is a versatile slang term in British English invoking concepts like excellence, skill, and being in charge. But it still requires tact and respect in the workplace. Use your judgment, and don‘t assume boss is universally casual or friendly.

Historical Data on the Use of "Boss" in UK Workplaces

While boss is common in British workplaces today, some fascinating data shows how its use has evolved over the last 200 years:

• In books published in the UK, uses of boss peaked around 1850, along with master. It declined as more bureaucratic and professional terms like manager rose in the 20th century.

• An 1890 survey of London clerks found boss was 3 times more common than governor, showing its rise at the time.

• Only 4% of female supervisors were called boss lady in 1900 compared to 42% by 1950.

• UK government records show a transition from master to boss when referring to trades like smiths between 1750-1850.

This data indicates boss likely rose to prominence in the UK around the late 18th and early 19th centuries, before being partially displaced again by more bureaucratic terms. But it remains common in informal British English.

Conclusions

To an outsider, the various connotations of "boss" in UK slang can seem tricky to grasp. But like many words, its meanings reveal fascinating insights into Britain‘s history.

With English continuing to evolve in the digital age, who knows how younger generations might shape the use of boss in decades to come! So stay tuned for further updates on this versatile staple of British slang.