As nouns the difference between terms and bossman
is that terms is while bossman is (vocative) someone whose name is unknown usually denotes that one is chary or extremely unfamiliar with the person being spoken to.
terms
English
Noun
(head)
Statistics
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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)