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Bowman vs Bossman - What's the difference?

bowman | bossman |

As a proper noun bowman

is .

As a noun bossman is

(vocative) someone whose name is unknown usually denotes that one is chary or extremely unfamiliar with the person being spoken to.

bowman

English

Etymology 1

Noun

(bowmen)
  • (archery) An archer.
  • * Bible, Jer. iv. 29
  • The whole city shall flee for the noise of the horsemen and bowmen .
    Derived terms
    * bowman's root

    Etymology 2

    Noun

    (bowmen)
  • (nautical) The person, in a team or among oarsmen, positioned nearest the bow.
  • bossman

    Alternative forms

    * boss-man

    Noun

    (bossmen)
  • (vocative) Someone whose name is unknown. Usually denotes that one is chary or extremely unfamiliar with the person being spoken to.
  • :*: "You should watch what you say, bossman. " :*: "I don't know what to tell you, bossman... " 2. (vocative) Someone who appears stalwart and/or dauntless in both disposition and appearance. Not a term used between those who are close. Usually seen as complimentary. :*: "You really showed them, bossman. What's your name? " :*: "Hoy, bossman. It's been a while since you last travelled through here. Are there any new goings on? "

    Usage notes

    1. Neither of the two senses of this term are synonymous with the colloquial meanings of terms such as "boss", "chief" and "governor." 2. Not the same as "boss man" or "the boss man", an endearing term used to refer to one's employer. 3. Because this term is a vocative, the plural is seldom used.

    Synonyms

    (cautious) friend (colloquial, sarcastic sense) (admiring) no direct vocative synonyms, but compare non-vocative mensch (sense 1) and vocative or non-vocative the man (sense 2)