A person who is in charge of other workers or employees; a supervisor or manager.
From Dutch 'baas' meaning 'master' or 'foreman.' Dutch colonists brought this word to New Amsterdam (New York) in the 1600s. It originally meant the head of a household or workshop. Americans adopted it because 'master' had slavery connotations they wanted to avoid in workplace relationships.
Americans started saying 'boss' instead of 'master' because of slavery - they needed a workplace hierarchy word without those awful associations. Dutch New Yorkers provided the perfect alternative, and 'baas' became the American way to say 'person in charge' without the baggage.
Historically assumed male (factory foreman, plantation overseer). Female alternative 'bossy' carried derogatory connotations implying women lacked authority.
Use 'manager', 'supervisor', or 'lead' to remove gendered power associations.
["manager","supervisor","lead","director"]
Women have led organizations for centuries; language should reflect equal authority without gendering.
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